carotid artery disease

Most people are born with two healthy carotid arteries. So why do an estimated 700,000 people get carotid artery disease each year, And why do more than 130,000 people die of strokes each year?1 these questions will be answered in order to provide a better understanding of the carotid arteries and their importance. [change slide] Oxygenated blood is carried from the heart to the face and brain by the carotid arteries, one on each side of the neck. [change slide] The carotid arteries bifurcate and become the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the external carotid artery (ECA). Blood flow to the brain is affected by carotid artery disease. [change slide] The carotid arteries are normally smooth and unobstructed on the inside, but as one ages, a sticky substance called plaque, “which is made out of cholesterol, calcium, and fibrous tissue” can build up in the walls of these arteries. The carotid arteries will then become stiff and narrow. The most common location of plaque buildup is the Carotid bifurcation. 3 [change slide] Carotid artery disease is a serious health problem and a major cause of strokes, which can lead to brain damage or even death. There are three ways in which carotid artery disease can increase the risk of a stroke. (1). Plaque deposits can grow larger and larger; severely narrowing the artery and reducing blood flow to the brain, where Plaque can eventually completely block the artery. (2). Plaque deposits can roughen and deform the artery wall, causing blood clots to form and blocking blood flow to the brain. (3). Plaque deposits can rupture and flow to the brain. This fragment may get stuck in one of the smaller arteries, creating a blockage that cuts off blood supply to that area of the brain causing a stroke 2 [change slide]

Most people with carotid artery disease have no symptoms until the artery becomes severely narrowed or a clot forms and a mini stroke has occurred, also known as a (TIA) transient ischemic attack.1