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Carotid Artery Disease Symptoms

Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque (fatty deposits) builds up in and eventually blocks your carotid arteries. Being familiar with carotid artery disease symptoms can help you recognize this disease and seek treatment before it's too late.

  1. The Facts

    • Located on the two sides of your neck, your carotid arteries are the two main blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to your head and brain. Blockage of these arteries can cause massive neurological damage and death.

    Symptom Progression

    • One of the dangers of carotid artery disease is the slow progression of symptoms. In most cases, a stroke or ministroke may be your first sign of this disease.

    Ministroke

    • A common symptom of carotid artery disease, a ministroke or transient ischematic attack (TIA) occurs when you have brief signs of a stroke that last less than 24 hours.

    Stroke

    • Often preceded by a ministroke, a stroke caused by carotid artery disease occurs when a blood clot stops the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain.

    Symptoms

    • According to MedlinePlus Medical Encylopedia, TIA and stroke symptoms are similar and may include abrupt weakness or numbness (usually on one side of your body), sudden blindness in one eye, problems speaking, and unusual confusion.

    Risk Factors

    • You are more likely to develop carotid artery disease symptoms if you have certain risk factors, including heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol and family stroke history.

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