This test is done to assess the blood flow of the carotid arteries. But, an artery may be diseased without producing this sound.Ĭarotid artery duplex scan. A bruit can be a sign of atherosclerosis. This sound is made when blood passes through a narrowed artery. For this test, your doctor places a stethoscope over the carotid artery to listen for a sound called a bruit (pronounced brew-ee). Always see your doctor for a diagnosis.Īlong with a complete medical history and physical exam, tests for carotid artery disease may include: The symptoms of carotid artery disease may look like other medical conditions or problems. It may cause paralysis, loss of speech, or even death. A stroke may result in long-term problems, such as weakness in an arm or leg. Recovery also depends on the size and location of the stroke. The disability that occurs from stroke depends on the size and location of the brain that suffered loss of blood flow. Brain cells begin to die after just a few minutes without oxygen. A stroke is loss of blood flow (ischemia) to the brain that continues long enough to cause permanent brain damage. The symptoms of a TIA and stroke are the same. TIAs do not precede all strokes, however. A TIA may be a warning sign that a stroke is about to occur. If you or a loved one has any of these symptoms, call for medical help right away. Inability to speak clearly or slurred speech Temporary loss of vision or blurred vision Numbness or loss of feeling in the face or in an arm or leg Sudden paralysis of an arm or leg on one side of the bodyĬonfusion, decreased ability to concentrate, dizziness, fainting, or headache Sudden weakness or clumsiness of an arm or leg on one side of the body Symptoms go away entirely within 24 hours, with complete recovery. It usually lasts a few minutes to an hour. Sometimes, the first sign of the disease is a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.Ī transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a sudden, temporary loss of blood flow to an area of the brain. What are the symptoms of carotid artery disease?Ĭarotid artery disease may have no symptoms. Knowing your risk factors can help you make lifestyle changes and work with your doctor to reduce chances you will get the disease. Risk factors associated with atherosclerosis include:Īlthough these factors increase a person's risk, they do not always cause the disease. Who is at risk for carotid artery disease? The thickening narrows the arteries and decreases blood flow or completely blocks the flow of blood to the brain. In this condition, fatty deposits build up along the inner layer of the arteries forming plaque. What causes carotid artery disease?Ītherosclerosis causes most carotid artery disease. If a piece of plaque breaks off it can also block blood flow to the brain. If the narrowing of the carotid arteries becomes severe enough that blood flow is blocked, it can cause a stroke. Brain cells start to die after just a few minutes without blood or oxygen. Even a brief pause in blood supply can cause problems. The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen to work. Carotid artery disease is similar to coronary artery disease, in which buildup occurs in the arteries of the heart and can cause a heart attack.Ĭarotid artery disease reduces the flow of oxygen to the brain. This is the buildup of fatty substances, calcium, and other waste products inside the artery lining. The narrowing is caused by atherosclerosis. It may also be called carotid artery stenosis. When these arteries become narrowed, it’s called carotid artery disease. The carotid arteries are the main blood vessels that carry blood and oxygen to the brain.
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