January 12, 2022 Author : Diogo Cunha e Sá Carotid artery stenosis is a cardiovascular disease . It is a narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries - the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the brain and other organs and regions of the head – due to atherosclerosis plaques . The carotid arteries are located on the right and left sides of the neck . Blockage or stenosis (narrowing) of carotid artery increases the risk of stroke . In developed countries, stroke is the most common cause of death and the leading cause of permanent disability in developed countries. What is the cause of carotid artery stenosis? Carotid artery stenosis is caused by atherosclerosis . This is a degenerative disease that develops throughout life. The main risk factors for atherosclerosis and which accelerate its development are: Age; Smoking; Diabetes; Hypertension; High blood cholesterol levels. More often, carotid stenosis has a silent, slow, and gradual evolution , and is detected when complications occur. The first sign of severe carotid stenosis can be a transient condition called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which results in a temporary, reversible lack of blood flow to the brain that causes symptoms that last less than 24 hours. Complications of carotid stenosis can result in a medical emergency when there is a sudden loss of blood supply to the brain, with a decrease in oxygen supply. In a few minutes, brain cells begin to die, and a stroke occur. Signs and symptoms of a TIA (transient ischemic attack) or stroke include : Sudden numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, usually only on one side of the body; Sudden changes in speech and compreension; Sudden vision loss problems; Sudden dizziness or loss of balance; Sudden severe headache with no known cause. Treatment Treatment of carotid stenosis involves a combination of : Lifestyle changes; Medication; Surgery in the most severe cases. Carotid artery stenosis surgery and endovascular treatment Carotid stenosis surgery consists of restoring the artery caliber and the normal supply of blood and oxygen to the brain. Involves clearing the carotid artery through a procedure called endarterectomy , which is performed by vascular surgeons. As an alternative in selected cases, endovascular treatment can be chosen: This is performed by catheterization performed through the groin with placement of a stent to relieve carotid narrowing. Both surgery and endovascular treatment are interventions that are usually well tolerated , do not cause great discomfort or pain, and allow hospital discharge within 24-48 hours. This procedures risk is around 2%, which means that 98% of cases there are good results. Seek for medical attention Whenever someone identifies a symptom that may be associated with a stroke , even if it only lasts for a short period of time, they should go to a hospital emergency service. Speak with your physician if you have risk factors for atherosclerotic disease . Even if you do not have any signs or symptoms, your doctor may recommend monitoring your cardiovascular risk factors to protect you from a stroke. A diagnostic test called carotid echo-Doppler is often ordered in these cases, which allows confirming the presence or absence of carotid obstructive disease. Seeking early for medical care increases the likelihood that carotid stenosis will be diagnosed and treated before a disabling stroke occurs. Meet the vascular surgery clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
