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Carotid artery disease is a condition in which the main blood vessels in the neck become narrowed because of a buildup of cholesterol. Narrowing of the carotid arteries can cause serious health problems, such as deterioration of brain tissue and stroke, as a result of less oxygen getting to the brain.
In many cases, there are no symptoms of carotid artery disease until the condition has severely narrowed or blocked an artery, which could lead to a stroke. Your doctor may discover the condition during an exam using a stethoscope or during a vascular ultrasound.
A buildup over time of fatty plaque in the walls of your arteries can lead to the development of carotid artery disease.
The following factors increase your risk for having carotid artery disease:
When treating carotid artery disease, vascular surgeons at Riverview Health focus on reducing the amount of plaque buildup that can clog blood vessels. The following lifestyle adjustments may be recommended as an initial solution before pursuing medication or surgery:
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend the following treatments:
Riverview Health offers complete care and prevention for carotid artery disease. With regular check-ups, your doctor can evaluate your health and help you avoid complications. Find a primary care physician at Riverview Health to discuss how you can lower your risk factors.
Take a step toward a healthier life with a $79 vascular screening package at Riverview Health. This package includes a carotid artery screening, abdominal aortic aneurysm screening and an ankle brachial index test. Though this package doesn’t require a doctor’s order, you must meet specific criteria. To see if you qualify and to request an appointment, call 317.776.7247 or complete our online request form.
Riverview Health evaluates and treats a wide array of vascular conditions for people living in Noblesville, Carmel, Cicero, Fishers, Sheridan and Westfield, IN.