Carotid artery stenosis is a condition in which one or both carotid arteries become narrowed, reducing blood flow to the brain. This condition typically develops progressively and, in many cases, causes no symptoms until a serious complication, such as a stroke, occurs.
Early detection allows measures to be taken to reduce the risk of cerebrovascular events and preserve brain health.
What is carotid artery stenosis?
The carotid arteries are the main blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain. There are two carotid arteries, one on each side of the neck.
Stenosis occurs when the inside of the artery narrows, usually due to the accumulation of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances within the arterial wall. This process is known as atherosclerosis.
When the narrowing becomes significant, blood flow is reduced and the risk of blood clots forming and traveling to the brain increases.
What are the causes?
The most common cause is atherosclerosis, a condition that develops gradually over many years.
The main risk factors include:
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Diabetes.
- Smoking.
- Advanced age.
- Obesity.
- Physical inactivity.
- History of cardiovascular disease.
The presence of several of these factors considerably increases the risk of developing carotid artery stenosis.
Symptoms of carotid artery stenosis
In many people, no symptoms appear until blood flow is significantly reduced or a stroke occurs.
When clinical manifestations are present, the most common include:
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Es una interrupción temporal del flujo sanguíneo cerebral que puede provocar síntomas durante pocos minutos o algunas horas.
It is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain that can cause symptoms lasting from a few minutes to several hours.
These may include:
- Weakness on one side of the body.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Temporary loss of vision in one eye.
- Numbness in a limb.
Even if the symptoms disappear, a TIA is a warning sign that requires immediate medical attention.
Stroke
If the blockage is more severe or a blood clot reaches the brain, symptoms may include:
- Loss of strength.
- Paralysis on one side of the body.
- Speech disturbances.
- Confusion.
- Balance problems.
- Visual disturbances.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins with a clinical examination and an assessment of risk factors.
The most commonly used tests include:
- Carotid Doppler ultrasound.
- CT angiography (CTA).
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).
- Cerebral angiography in selected cases.
These tests help determine the degree of arterial narrowing and plan the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the degree of stenosis and whether the patient has experienced symptoms.
Treatment options may include:
Medical treatment
When the narrowing is mild or moderate, the following are usually recommended:
- Blood pressure control.
- Cholesterol management.
- Diabetes management.
- Medication to reduce the risk of blood clot formation.
- Lifestyle changes.
Surgical treatment
In certain patients with significant stenosis, a procedure may be considered to improve blood flow, such as:
- Carotid endarterectomy.
- Angioplasty with carotid stent placement.
The choice will depend on the individual characteristics of each patient and the assessment of the medical team.
What complications can it cause?
The most important complication is ischemic stroke.
When a plaque ruptures or a blood clot breaks away, it can travel to a cerebral artery and block blood flow.
For this reason, early detection and appropriate treatment are essential to reduce the risk of cerebrovascular events.
Can it be prevented?
In many cases, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing carotid artery stenosis.
The main recommendations include:
- Not smoking.
- Keeping blood pressure under control.
- Managing cholesterol and diabetes.
- Following a balanced diet.
- Engaging in regular physical activity.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Attending regular medical check-ups if cardiovascular risk factors are present.
Prognosis
The prognosis will depend on the degree of narrowing, how quickly the condition is diagnosed, and how well the risk factors are controlled.
Many people maintain a good quality of life when they follow the prescribed treatment and adopt healthy lifestyle habits. In cases where surgery is required, the goal is to reduce the risk of experiencing a stroke in the future.
Conclusion
Carotid artery stenosis is a vascular condition that can go unnoticed for years but significantly increases the risk of stroke. Identifying risk factors, recognizing warning signs, and receiving appropriate treatment are key measures for protecting brain health and preventing serious complications.
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