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One place in which plaque frequently builds up is in the carotid arteries. These are the main arteries that supply blood
to the brain. There is one on each side of your neck. As the plaque thickens, small pieces may break off and block one of
the arteries in the neck or brain, stopping part of the blood flow to that part of the brain. When the blood flow is
interrupted, oxygen cannot get to the brain cells to keep them nourished and alive. If this blockage is temporary, it
causes a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Symptoms from a TIA will usually last from only a few minutes to less than a
day. Sometimes, however, the blockage is not temporary and there is permanent damage to the brain. This is called a
cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke.
Symptoms of both TIA and stroke that you should be alert for include:
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It is very important that you contact your doctor immediately if you develop any TIA or stroke symptoms. Even if the
symptoms go away in a short time, you need to be evaluated by a physician. The earlier and the faster that treatment
is begun, the more effective it may be. You can make a big difference in your recovery if you get immediate treatment.
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- Numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, arm, and/or leg on one side of the body
- Drooping or sagging of facial muscles on one side of the body
- Loss of speech or slurring of speech
- Sudden blurring or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden unexplained loss of balance or coordination
- Loss of consciousness
Treatment for carotid artery disease centers on preventing further plaque or clot
formation, controlling the risk factors that contribute to atherosclerosis, and often opening or "cleaning out"
the artery as much as possible.
- The most common medicine prescribed for carotid artery disease is aspirin. Aspirin decreases the likelihood of clot formation and can reduce the chance of stroke. Other similar medications can be substituted for aspirin if aspirin is not tolerated or is ineffective.
- An operation called carotid endarterectomy may be recommended. In this procedure, an incision is made into the affected artery and the plaque buildup is removed.
Whichever treatment is recommended for you, lifestyle changes and control of
risk factors that cause atherosclerosis will also be important parts of your therapy.
- If you are a smoker, you will need to quit as soon as possible. Smoking contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, causing them to become narrowed. Ask your doctor or nurse if you need help quitting.
- A diet that is rich in nutrients and low in fat will help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and control weight, all of which contribute to the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
- An aerobic exercise program may be prescribed and can help control high blood pressure and abnormal blood cholesterol levels.
More information on these topics is included in the Lifestyle Management section of this manual.
Choose a topic at left and click for more information on Vascular Disease.
Copyright ©2005 Michigan Heart & Vascular Institute. All rights reserved.
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