Blockage of the carotid arteries is a serious medical condition that can lead to transient ischemic attacks or strokes, according to the University at Buffalo neurosurgery website. Most frequently seen in adults as they grow older, these conditions account for up to 10 percent of adults in their 80s diagnosed as suffering with carotid narrowing. Carotid artery blockage also goes by the name carotid artery disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Mechanics of Carotid Artery Blockage
The carotid arteries of a young adult feel pliable and allow blood to flow uninterrupted to the brain. However as a person ages, the vessels become more rigid. At the same time, plaque begins to adhere to the walls, forcing the artery to narrow, according to the Mayo Clinic. Plaque consists of such things as cholesterol, calcium and cellular debris.
Symptoms of Carotid Artery Blockage
Blockage of the carotid arteries becomes deadly due to a lack of symptoms initially, according to the University at Buffalo neurosurgery website. Due to the decreased amount of blood flowing to the brain, many people go undiagnosed until they experience a stroke or transient ischemic attack also known as a mini-stroke. For this reason, the symptoms of a stroke often remain the first indication of carotid artery blockage. These symptoms include numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs that seems to affect one side of the body, slurred or garbled speech and sudden blindness in one eye, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Diagnosis of Carotid Artery Blockage
In order to assess the carotid arteries for blockage, a physician may initially listen to the arteries with a stethoscope. If the physician suspects a blockage, he will order an ultrasound in order to visualize the arteries in a noninvasive fashion. Other tests available for confirmation of a blockage include CT scans and MRIs.
Causes of Carotid Artery Blockage
Unfortunately, a direct parallel exists between the majority of causes of carotid artery blockage and lifestyle. Although age plays a part in the lack of elasticity, habits such as smoking, diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure and poor diet remain major contributing factors, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Prevention and Treatment of Carotid Artery Blockage
Ideally, monitoring one's lifestyle throughout the aging process will slow or lessen the narrowing of the carotid arteries. Once he makes a diagnosis, a physician will offer treatment options based on the percentage of artery blocked. Such options include medication, surgery or simple lifestyle changes, according to the Johns Hopkins Medicine website.
