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Carotid Artery Disease & Treatment
What is CAD?
Carotid Artery Disease (CAD) is a common component of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and a major cause of stroke. The problem arises when plague buildup causes a narrowing in the arteries in the neck that supply the brain. If the narrowing is severe enough, the patient may end up with a "ministroke."
What are risk factors?
- Smoking
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes
- Male gender
- Family history of atherosclerosis
Patients with coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease may also have carotid artery disease.
How does the Carotid Artery Treatment work?
When the degree of narrowing in the carotid artery is not severe, treatment includes aspirin as well as treatment of risk factors. A class of drugs called statins can help reduce the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream and may limit the growth of plaque. If the degree of narrowing becomes severe, and or the patient develops symptoms, then invasive treatment is needed. There are two types of invasive treatment which are carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery angioplasty and stenting.
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Carotid Artery Disease (252 KB)