What is carotid artery disease?
This condition occurs when the blood vessels (which supply blood to the brain and heart) become blocked by fatty deposits, or plaques. The disease is often the cause of stroke and transient ischemic attack.
Carotid artery disease usually progresses slowly. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes surgery.
In the early stages, the pathology does not show specific symptoms. The following signs are characteristic:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in one area of the face or limbs;
- Speech problems;
- Blurred vision in one or both eyes;
- Dizziness or loss of balance;
- Unexplained, severe headache.
- Risk factors for carotid artery disease include:
- High blood pressure;
- Smoking;
- Diabetes;
- High levels of fat in the blood;
- A family history of atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease;
- Increasing age;
- Obesity;
- Sleep apnea;
- An inactive lifestyle.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carotid-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20360519
