Medically reviewed by Patrick C. Yu, M.D. • The Surgical Clinic
This article will help you understand why carotid artery disease is serious and what warning signs to look out for. Carotid artery surgery can be life-saving and help prevent strokes. We’ll also discuss treatment options and how to care for your carotid artery after surgery to help you stay healthy and avoid future plaque buildup.
What Is Carotid Artery Disease?
Carotid Artery Disease occurs when one or more carotid arteries in your neck become narrowed or blocked. These arteries are vital because they supply your brain with oxygen-rich blood. The disease often starts when atherosclerosis causes plaque made of fat, calcium, and cholesterol to build up inside the arteries. As the plaque thickens, it narrows the arteries and can eventually block them. This reduced blood flow to the brain makes Carotid Artery Disease dangerous because it increases the risk of stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
Common Causes and Risk Factors for Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid Artery Disease can be caused by several factors, including lifestyle, certain health conditions, and genetics.
Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors
Some lifestyle choices can increase your risk for carotid artery disease. Smoking, eating an unhealthy diet, and not getting enough exercise are important factors.
- Smoking: Using tobacco or nicotine makes your blood vessels tighten and raises your blood pressure, which can speed up plaque buildup in your arteries.
- Poor Diet: Eating a lot of processed sugars, trans fats, and salt can contribute to plaque buildup and raise your cholesterol and inflammation levels.
- Physical Inactivity: Not moving enough in your daily routine can worsen things by causing more plaque buildup, reducing blood flow, and damaging your blood vessels.
Medical Conditions That Increase Risk
Other health problems can also affect your heart and arteries. High blood pressure and high cholesterol put extra strain on your carotid arteries and can cause inflammation. People with diabetes are at higher risk because high blood sugar leads to more plaque buildup. Being overweight can make things worse by increasing inflammation and causing more fat to build up in the arteries.
Other Risk Factors
Some things you cannot control, like your age, family history, or having had heart disease before, can also affect your risk for carotid artery disease.
- Age: As you get older, atherosclerosis becomes a bigger risk because inflammation and plaque build up in your arteries over many years.
- Genetics: If you or your family have a history of carotid artery disease or other heart problems, your risk is much higher.
Symptoms and Warning Signs of Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease can seem to show up suddenly, even though atherosclerosis takes years to develop. This happens because most people do not notice any symptoms.
Why Many People Have No Symptoms
Many people do not have symptoms because the carotid arteries can slowly thicken and harden over time without causing major changes in blood flow. This gradual blockage means the disease often worsens without warning signs.
Signs of a Transient Ischemic Attack
A Transient Ischemic Attack, also called a mini stroke, happens when blood flow to the brain is briefly blocked. It can cause symptoms like sudden weakness or numbness, temporary vision loss, and trouble speaking, which are similar to stroke symptoms.
If you notice symptoms of a TIA, get medical help right away. Signs like a drooping face, weakness in your arm, or trouble speaking mean you should seek emergency care.
How Carotid Artery Disease Is Diagnosed
Doctors diagnose Carotid Artery Disease with a physical exam and imaging tests.
Physical Examinations and Tests
During your physical exam, your doctor will check your blood pressure, listen to your heart, and ask about your symptoms and how long you have had them. They will also ask about your medical history, lifestyle, and family history. These questions help your doctor determine whether your symptoms may be related to carotid artery disease.
To learn more about your carotid arteries, your doctor might order tests such as a carotid ultrasound, a CT angiogram, or a magnetic resonance angiogram. These tests help your doctor assess how your carotid arteries are functioning and determine the best treatment for you.
When Is Surgery Recommended for Carotid Artery Disease?
You may need surgery if the blockage in your artery is severe.
Understanding Artery Narrowing Severity
A blockage in your carotid artery can vary from person to person. How serious it is depends on how much plaque has built up and how much it limits blood flow to your brain. Stenosis means the carotid arteries are narrowed, and doctors use different levels of stenosis to help decide if surgery is needed.
- Mild and Moderate Stenosis: People with mild or moderate stenosis often do not have symptoms because the plaque has not significantly blocked blood flow.
- Severe Stenosis: This is the most serious level and can directly lead to stroke or TIA.
If your doctor is considering carotid artery surgery for you, they will look at your age, your risk of stroke, and how much your artery is blocked.
Surgical Treatment Options
There are a few surgical options for treating carotid artery disease. These include carotid endarterectomy, carotid artery stenting, and transcarotid artery revascularization.
Carotid Endarterectomy
During a carotid endarterectomy, the surgeon removes plaque from your artery through a cut in your neck to lower your risk of stroke. Most people stay in the hospital overnight, and recovery usually takes two to three weeks.
Carotid Artery Stenting
In this procedure, the surgeon uses a catheter to place a small mesh tube, called a stent, in your artery. The stent helps keep the artery open and is a good option for people with severe stenosis.
Transcarotid Artery Revascularization
This minimally invasive procedure uses a small cut at the base of your neck to place a stent. An external device temporarily reverses blood flow and filters out dangerous plaque. Transcarotid artery revascularization is for people with severe stenosis who are at high risk for carotid endarterectomy.
How Surgery Helps Prevent Stroke
These surgeries remove plaque buildup in the carotid artery and lower your risk of future stroke by restoring healthy blood flow to your brain.
Reducing the Risk of Future Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is reduced because the carotid arteries are narrowed. These surgeries open the blocked arteries and remove dangerous clots, lowering your risk of future stroke by fixing the cause by promoting healthy blood flow to the brain. When blockages are cleared, your carotid artery widens, allowing healthy blood flow to your brain.
Long-Term Benefits of Early Intervention
If carotid artery disease is detected early, you can improve your quality of life and outlook for the future by getting the right advice and treatment. Early action can help prevent stroke and may mean you do not need surgery.
Recovery After Carotid Artery Surgery
Facing carotid artery surgery can feel overwhelming, just like any other operation. You can make recovery easier by learning what to expect, how long healing takes, how to care for yourself, and what problems to watch for.
What to Expect Immediately After Surgery
You will stay in the hospital overnight so your care team can watch over you. After surgery, you might have a small drain in your neck to help remove fluid from the incision, but it is usually taken out after a day. Some neck pain is normal for about two weeks. Over-the-counter pain medicine can help you feel more comfortable.
Recovery Timeline and Follow-Up Care
Most people go home the day after surgery. You should check your incision every day and avoid tight clothing that could rub against it. Many people return to work within one or two weeks. You can drive if turning your head does not hurt, but always ask your doctor for advice that fits your situation.
Potential Risks and Complications
Carotid artery surgery does have some risks and possible complications. Knowing these can help you get help quickly if needed. Contact your doctor if you notice shortness of breath, infection or redness at the incision site, chest pain, or dizziness.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Long-Term Vascular Health
Carotid artery surgery lowers your risk of stroke, but making healthy lifestyle changes can further protect your carotid arteries and your overall health.
Heart-Healthy Eating Habits
After surgery, try to eat foods that are high in antioxidants, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Eating fish, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts can help your recovery by giving your body the nutrients it needs to heal.
Managing Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
It is important to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control after carotid artery surgery. Your doctor may recommend medication and encourage you to eat well, exercise, keep a healthy weight, limit alcohol, and manage stress.
Exercising Safely After Treatment
After surgery, rest until you feel ready to move around more. When you have more energy, start with short walks to help your circulation. Avoid heavy lifting or hard exercise while you recover.
Quitting Smoking and Reducing Stroke Risk
Quitting tobacco and nicotine can help protect your carotid arteries by preventing further plaque buildup. After surgery, quitting smoking lowers your risk of blood clots and the disease returning.
Carotid Artery Treatment at The Surgical Clinic
Carotid artery surgery can prevent stroke, and early intervention can help decide if surgery is needed. If you have a family history of carotid artery disease or are having related symptoms, contact The Surgical Clinic today. The Surgical Clinic is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-focused care. Visit our locations page to find a Surgical Clinic near you and meet our surgeons. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation.