What is a blocked carotid artery?

The carotid arteries are the two blood vessels on each side of your neck that carry blood from the heart to the brain. These arteries can become partially or completely blocked. The blockage decreases the blood flow to your brain. People with this condition who do not get treatment are at risk for a major stroke.

Carotid artery occlusive disease is another term for this condition of narrowing or blockage inside the carotid arteries.

How does it occur?

This disease is caused by a condition called arteriosclerosis. Commonly known as hardening of the arteries, arteriosclerosis is caused by a buildup of calcium and cholesterol deposits on the inside walls of the arteries. The arteries then become less flexible.

What are the symptoms?

Most people with blocked carotid arteries have no symptoms. When there are symptoms, the risk of a major stroke increases. The most common symptoms are transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), which are sometimes called ministrokes and last from minutes to 24 hours, or temporary blindness in one eye.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will listen to the arteries in your neck using a stethoscope. Blood flow through narrowed arteries is turbulent, which sometimes causes noise the doctor can hear. Depending on what your doctor hears, he or she may order diagnostic tests to measure the amount of blood getting through or around the narrowed vessels. These tests include:

• various types of ultrasound scans

• measurements of blood flow in your eyes

• special x-rays.

How is it treated?

If there is some blockage but you have no symptoms, your treatment may be regular checkups with your doctor to see if your condition changes. Occasionally even severe narrowing may produce no symptoms, but surgery may be necessary to avoid the chance of stroke.

The doctor may prescribe medication that thins the blood or prevents blood cells from forming clots.

If you have symptoms from blockage in an artery, you may need surgery to remove the blockage.

How long will the effects last?

Carotid artery occlusive disease is a permanent condition. The goal of treatment is to prevent further blockage and stroke.

How can I take care of myself?

It is important to follow the doctor's treatment. People with this disease who do not have treatment are at risk of having a major stroke.

What can I do to help prevent blocked carotid arteries?

In almost all cases, arteriosclerosis is the cause of carotid artery disease. You can help prevent arteriosclerosis by following these guidelines:

• Eat foods low in fat and cholesterol.

• Lose weight if you are overweight.

• Exercise regularly.

• Lower your blood pressure if it is high.

• Stop smoking.

• Try to reduce stress in your life.

• Lower your blood sugar if it is high.

• If you have diabetes, see your doctor regularly and follow all diet and medication instructions.