Carotid Stenosis :
Carotid Stenosis/ Carotid artery Stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the lumen in carotid arteries. Carotid arteries are the 2 major arteries present one each side of neck. A common carotid artery is further divided into internal and external carotid arteries. These are the main arteries which supply head and neck. Narrowing of these arteries can cause several symptoms ranging from dizziness to stroke. An atherosclerotic plaque may build up in carotid artery as a result of inflammation or injury leading to narrowing of the lumen.
Carotid stenosis causes reduced blood supply to brain, face and neck. Risk factors for carotid artery stenosis are obesity, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, elderly age, habits like alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking. It can be diagnosed by cerebral angiography and imaging techniques. Treatment include anti-platelet medications, statins and surgical interventions such as carotid stenting. Lifestyle management like quitting alcohol, smoking, fatty food and having a regular physical activity.