{"id":1450,"date":"2024-10-31T01:56:03","date_gmt":"2024-10-31T08:56:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.empirevein.com\/?page_id=1450"},"modified":"2025-05-30T03:24:17","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T10:24:17","slug":"carotid-artery-disease","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/empirevein.com\/en\/vascular-services\/carotid-artery-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Carotid Artery Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the number one cause of disability in the United States, according to the American Stroke Association<\/a>. Carotid artery disease is a major underlying cause of stroke, impacting up to 5% of the population. Early detection and advanced treatment options can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is Carotid Artery Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your carotid arteries are the two main arteries that carry blood from your heart, up through your neck, and into your brain. Healthy carotid arteries are smooth and unobstructed, allowing blood to flow freely to the brain. They provide oxygen, glucose (sugar), and other nutrients your brain cells need to function optimally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you age, the carotid arteries may build up plaque, which is a fatty deposit made up mostly of fat and cholesterol. This plaque narrows the insides of the arteries, making them stiff. The build-up of plaque is commonly referred to as “hardening of the arteries” or atherosclerosis. This narrowing, known as carotid artery stenosis, can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Who is at Risk?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carotid artery stenosis can increase your risk of a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or mini-stroke, and is the most common cause of stroke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risk factors<\/a> of carotid artery stenosis and stroke include: <\/p>\n\n\n