The Vascular Surgeons of Premier Surgical Vascular and Vein Center in Knoxville want you to be aware that one in three strokes are caused by carotid artery disease.
About Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease occurs when something obstructs your carotid arteries, the blood vessels that deliver blood to your brain and head. Fatty deposits (also known as plaques) are the most common forms of obstruction in the carotid arteries.
Having a carotid artery disease increases your risk of stroke, a medical emergency that occurs when there is a serious blood flow interruption to your brain.
Your blood carries oxygen to different parts of your body, including your brain. If you have an obstruction in your carotid arteries, your brain can get deprived of oxygen supply. Within minutes, the brain cells begin to die.
In the United States, stroke is the most common cause of death and permanent disability.
Risk Factors
You have a higher risk of developing a carotid artery disease if you:
- Are obese
- Have diabetes or insulin resistance
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high blood cholesterol
- Smoke
- Drink excessively
The Signs of Stroke
Learning and recognizing the signs of stroke can save your or someone else’s life. The American Stroke Association came up with the letters F.A.S.T to remember the stroke signs:
Face drooping
When a person suffers from stroke, one side of the face will droop or feels numb. If the person is asked to smile, the smile can also appear one-sided or lopsided.
Arm weakness
Stroke can also cause weakness or numbness in either arms. The affected side will drift downward if the person is asked to raise both arms.
Speech
Slurring of speech is another classical sign of stroke. The person may not be able to speak or may speak but in an incomprehensible manner.
Time to call 911
This is not really a sign or symptom but if you have or someone you know exhibits any of these signs or symptoms, it’s time to call 911 or rush the person to the hospital immediately.
Other symptoms of stroke
In some cases, people suffering from stroke may also experience sudden:
- Numbness
- Confusion
- Difficulty walking
- Trouble in seeing
- Severe headache
Treating Carotid Artery Disease
If there’s only mild to moderate blockage, your physician may recommend lifestyle changes and medications to control your high blood pressure and/or high blood cholesterol.
For severe blockage or if you already have a history of TIA or stroke, a procedure to open or remove the blockage may be necessary.
The board-certified vascular surgeons of Premier Surgical Vascular and Vein Center in Knoxville specialize in treating blockages in the carotid arteries. To learn about treatment options for carotid artery disease visit our Carotid Artery Surgery webpage at: https://www.premiervascularveincenter.com/carotid-artery-surgery/
For an appointment with a Premier Vascular Surgeon, call the Premier Surgical Vascular and Vein Center at (865) 588-8229 or book online at https://www.premiervascularveincenter.com/book-online/.