The carotid arteries are located in your neck and supply your brain with blood and oxygen. Carotid artery stenosis, or carotid artery disease, occurs when these arteries start to narrow. In most cases this is due to the develop of atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of plaque on the walls of the arteries. Carotid artery stenosis decreases the amount of blood and oxygen the brain receives. As this happens, cells within your brain can become damaged or die, leading to a stroke. If you recognize the signs, see your physician to form a treatment plan to help manage this condition.
Initial Symptoms
According to the American Heart Association, this condition can exist without any symptoms. This is why it is important to have regular checkups to make sure your cholesterol levels are in check. In addition, your doctor can use a stethoscope to listen to the arteries in your neck. If you have carotid artery disease, he or she may hear an abnormal heart sound called a bruit, or whooshing sound, as the blood moves through your arteries. If this sound is heard, scans can be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Additional Signs
If you are developing a narrowing of the carotid arteries, you may also develop high blood pressure, high cholesterol and be aware of a swishing noise in your ears that is created as your blood moves past a blockage. You may feel lightheaded and dizzy, and experience symptoms that are so general you may not suspect a serious condition.
Severe Symptoms
The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center states that sometimes the only warning sign you have this condition is a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a mini-stroke, or a full stroke. With both of these conditions, you may develop paralysis or numbness on one side of the body, blurred vision, headache, trouble speaking and difficulty responding to others. A TIA is usually quick and leaves no lasting damage. It is a warning sign that you are at a high risk for a stroke.
