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  • Vascular Diseases

Carotids

What Is Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease develops when fatty deposits (plaque) accumulate on the inner walls of the carotid arteries, gradually narrowing the vessel and reducing blood flow to the brain — a process called atherosclerosis.

As plaque builds, it can also break off and travel to the brain, causing a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The condition can progress silently for years, making regular screening critical for people with known risk factors.

Carotid artery disease is one of the leading preventable causes of stroke in the United States.

Related Conditions

Renals

Critical Limb Ischemia

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

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Symptoms of Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease often causes no symptoms until a stroke or TIA occurs. When symptoms do appear, they are usually stroke-related and require immediate attention:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg — especially on one side
  • Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause
  • Sudden loss of balance or coordination

A TIA produces these symptoms temporarily. Never ignore a TIA — it is a serious warning a full stroke may follow. Call 911 immediately.

Risk Factors

The following factors significantly increase the likelihood of developing carotid artery disease:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension) — damages and weakens arterial walls
  • High LDL cholesterol — directly contributes to plaque formation
  • Smoking — accelerates atherosclerosis throughout the vascular system
  • Diabetes — substantially raises vascular disease risk
  • Obesity — elevates blood pressure and cholesterol simultaneously
  • Age — risk increases for men over 45 and women over 55
  • Family history of stroke, heart attack, or atherosclerosis
  • Physical inactivity — compounds multiple cardiovascular risk factors

How Is Carotid Artery Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation and vascular imaging. Our team uses the most appropriate approach based on your individual risk profile:

  • Carotid Duplex Ultrasound — non-invasive, first-line imaging measuring blood flow and plaque
  • CT Angiography (CTA) — detailed 3D imaging using contrast
  • MR Angiography (MRA) — magnetic resonance imaging without radiation
  • Cerebral Angiography — the definitive standard for complex cases; catheter-based

Carotid ultrasound screening is quick, painless, and non-invasive. If you have risk factors and have never been screened, ask our team.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the degree of narrowing, symptom status, and your overall health profile. Our practice evaluates carotid disease and treats it medically or with stenting when appropriate. Patients who require carotid endarterectomy will be referred to vascular surgery.

Lifestyle & Medication

Foundation for managing carotid disease. Treatment may include antiplatelet medications, statins, blood pressure management, smoking cessation, and lifestyle and dietary changes.

Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)

Surgical removal of plaque. Recommended for ≥70% stenosis or recent TIA/stroke. One of the best-studied stroke-prevention procedures available.

Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS)

Minimally invasive stent placement to open a narrowed carotid artery when appropriate based on the patient's condition and overall health.

Ongoing Monitoring

Regular ultrasound surveillance to monitor carotid disease and plaque progression and adjust treatment as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Carotid Artery Disease

Can I have carotid artery disease with no symptoms?

 

Yes — this is common. The condition often progresses silently for years. Screening is recommended for patients with hypertension, diabetes, smoking history, or a family history of stroke.

 

What is the difference between a stroke and a TIA?

A stroke involves permanent brain damage from blocked blood flow. A TIA (transient ischemic attack) has the same symptoms but resolves within minutes to an hour. Both require immediate emergency evaluation.

What happens if I need a carotid endarterectomy?

We evaluate carotid artery disease and treat it medically or with stenting when appropriate. Patients who require carotid endarterectomy will be referred to vascular surgery.

Is carotid artery disease the same as a blocked neck artery?

Yes — carotid artery stenosis refers to narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck. The degree of narrowing determines treatment urgency.

Explore Related Conditions

Vascular and venous conditions are often connected — early evaluation of one may uncover another.

Renals

Critical Limb Ischemia

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

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Gupta Cardiology’s physicians are here to help determine the best treatment path for all our patients. Our physicians evaluate each patient on a case-by case basis to determine the best course of treatment.

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