Plaque build-up in the carotid arteries—the vessels which carry blood to the brain—can block blood flow, resulting in Carotid Artery Disease (CAD). CAD causes a serious risk of having a stroke. The Vascular Experts Florida has treatments and resources available to help manage and treat CAD.
Arterial narrowing caused by plaque is known as stenosis, and Carotid Artery Disease occurs when there is stenosis in the carotid arteries. If a piece of the plaque breaks and travels to a smaller branch inside the brain a stroke can occur and can lead to damaging or fatal complications. Carotid artery disease develops slowly but often presents no symptoms until it reaches dangerous levels. It is often first detected because of a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a temporary shortage of blood flow to your brain that leaves no permanent disability.
Lifestyle changes, risk factor modification, and medication are usually the best treatments for carotid artery disease, including quitting smoking, eating healthy and regular exercise. Medications include anti-platelets or blood-thinning medications, lipid-lowering medications and anti-hypertensives which have been proven to be effective in controlling the progression of the disease and preventing stroke and/or transient ischemic attacks.
If there is greater than 60% blockage, surgery may be indicated. Carotid endarterectomy is performed with an incision in the neck at the site of the narrowed artery. The plaque causing the blockage is removed and the artery is closed with a patch to prevent further narrowing. Carotid stenting, which involves widening the artery with a stent to hold the vessel open though a small puncture in the groin, or alternatively through a very small incision in the neck, may be indicated for patients who are considered high risk due to comorbidities or previous surgeries or radiation in the neck.
While lifestyle changes and medical management are ideal to prevent progression of the disease, only surgery will provide resolution of the narrowing. Carotid endarterectomy usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital and is very well tolerated.
Lifestyle changes and medication require no downtime, and in fact, you’ll likely feel better in general after a few months. You’ll need 2-3 weeks of recovery time following a carotid endarterectomy after a 1-2 night stay in the hospital. We will continue to monitor you after you have recovered from your procedure with serial follow-up appointments and ultrasound evaluations at The Vascular Experts Florida.
Please fill out the form on this page to request an in-person consultation and one of our knowledgeable staff members at Vascular Experts will reach out to you promptly – or call us directly at 407-612-7738.
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