Overview

Carotid artery disease arises from blocked or restricted carotid arteries. The condition occurs when fat deposits (plaque) build up and obstruct blood vessels that transport blood to the brain. The build-up of plaque in the carotid arteries restricts blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke. A stroke is labelled a “medical emergency” as the brain receives a limited supply of blood or no blood at all.

Warning Signs

Normally, carotid artery disease does not present any symptoms in the first stages of the disease.

General symptoms of stroke include the following:

• Numbness on one region of the body, the face or limbs
• Difficulty with speech
• Poor eyesight
• Trouble with balance or dizziness
• Migraine

Causes

The accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) that include fat, blood cells and cholesterol develop in the artery. The build-up of fat pieces can clog the carotid artery, a condition referred to as atherosclerosis. The obstruction of plaque in the carotid arteries impacts oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain.

The following are risk factors that increase the likelihood of carotid artery disease:

• Hypertension weakens the arterial walls
• Smoking increases blood pressure and heart rate
• Diabetes affects the body’s ability to process fat, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
• An increase in the level of blood fats (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides) prompts the build-up of plaque.

Treatment

Treatment for carotid artery disease aims to reduce the risk of stroke significantly. Treatment for mild to moderate symptoms of carotid artery disease includes lifestyle changes through diet and exercise and medications to lower high cholesterol or blood pressure levels.

For a severe blockage in the carotid arteries, Dr Ntola performs the following surgical procedures:

• Carotid endarterectomy involves opening the blocked carotid artery and removing plaque. Then, Dr Ntola repairs the artery  using stitches or a graft.
• Carotid angioplasty and stenting involve inserting a catheter with a balloon attached inside the artery. Next, Dr Ntola inflates  the balloon to dilate the blocked part of the artery. Afterwards, a coil mesh (stent) is inserted to widen the artery so blood can  flow freely to the brain.