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Carotid Artery Disease
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease involves the narrowing or blockage of two large blood vessels in your neck, primarily due to plaque buildup, which can significantly increase the risk of stroke.

Overview

Your carotid arteries are two large blood vessels in your neck that supply your brain and head with blood. If you have carotid artery disease, these arteries become narrow or blocked, usually because of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.

Carotid artery disease is serious because it can block the blood flow to your brain, causing a stroke. Too much plaque in the artery can cause a blockage. You can also have a blockage when a piece of plaque or a blood clot breaks off the wall of an artery. The plaque or clot can travel through the bloodstream and get stuck in one of your brain's smaller arteries.

Symptoms

Carotid artery disease often does not cause symptoms until the blockage or narrowing is severe. One sign may be a bruit (whooshing sound) that your doctor hears when listening to your artery with a stethoscope. Another sign is a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a "mini-stroke." A TIA is like a stroke, but it only lasts a few minutes, and the symptoms usually go away within an hour. Stroke is another sign.

Diagnosis

Imaging tests can confirm whether you have carotid artery disease.

Treatment & Management

Treatments may include:

  • Healthy lifestyle changes
  • Medicines
  • Carotid endarterectomy, surgery to remove the plaque
  • Angioplasty, a procedure to place a balloon and stent into the artery to open it and hold it open

Frequently Asked Questions

transient ischemic attack (TIA), or "mini-stroke," can cause sudden symptoms like weakness or numbness on one side of your body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sudden vision loss in one eye, or dizziness and loss of balance. These symptoms usually last only a few minutes but are a critical warning sign of a potential future stroke. If you experience any of these symptoms, even if they resolve quickly, you should seek immediate emergency medical attention by calling 911.
To prevent or manage carotid artery disease, focus on heart-healthy habits. This includes eating a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium, and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are also crucial. Your doctor may also recommend specific medications.
The decision between carotid endarterectomy (surgical removal of plaque) and carotid angioplasty with stenting (inserting a balloon and stent to open the artery) depends on several factors. These include the severity and location of the blockage, your overall health, age, and other medical conditions. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of each procedure, considering which option offers the best outcome for your specific situation.
fter a carotid endarterectomy, you may have some neck pain and soreness, and you'll typically stay in the hospital for a day or two. Recovery at home usually involves avoiding strenuous activities for a few weeks. For angioplasty with stenting, recovery is often quicker, with a shorter hospital stay and less discomfort. In both cases, you'll need to continue with prescribed medications and lifestyle changes to prevent future plaque buildup and will have follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and the artery's condition.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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