The carotid artery functions to supply blood flow to the front of the brain. Branches supply other areas of the head, neck, face and spinal cord. Blockage in the carotid artery that supplies blood flow to the brain can cause stroke. Plaque can build up inside, just like any of the major blood vessels that supply the organs and tissues. Arteries carry blood away from the heart after it receives oxygen. Even partially blocked carotid arteries can cause symptoms. Good overall health can ensure optimal carotid artery function, in turn ensuring brain health.
About the Carotid Artery
You can feel the carotid artery on the left and right side of the neck, and feel a pulse with your fingertips. There is an internal and external carotid artery on each side. The front part of the brain receives blood and oxygen from external carotid arteries--the area of the brain that controls speech, thinking, smell, sight, movement and personality. When the carotid artery becomes diseased from plaque, the artery narrows. Blood flow and oxygen are limited.
Carotid Artery Disease
Stroke or mini stroke can occur when the carotid artery is narrow, or a clot develops inside the artery, ruptures and travels to the brain. Symptoms of stroke range from temporary loss of vision in one eye (warning sign of stroke), to paralysis and loss of speech (stroke).
Keeping the Carotid Artery Healthy
Keeping healthy arteries is the same, regardless of where they are in the body. Large blood vessels such as the carotid artery can become diseased from poor diet, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. Blood vessel health is important for overall health. Carotid artery disease is one of the leading causes of stroke. Loss of blood flow in the carotid artery can result in loss of brain function.
