Table of Contents
What is normal carotid stenosis?
What is carotid stenosis? Carotid stenosis is a progressive narrowing of the carotid arteries in a process called atherosclerosis. Normal healthy arteries are flexible and have smooth inner walls. As we age, hypertension and small injuries to the blood vessel wall can allow plaque to build up.
What is the best treatment for carotid artery stenosis?
The options include:
- Carotid endarterectomy, the most common treatment for severe carotid artery disease.
- Carotid angioplasty and stenting, if the blockage is too difficult to reach with carotid endarterectomy or you have other health conditions that make surgery too risky.
How serious is carotid stenosis?
Carotid artery stenosis can lead to a stroke. People who have carotid artery stenosis are at increased risk for a stroke, which can lead to disability or death. Sometimes, strokes can be mild and recoverable. In other cases, strokes are very large and devastating.
How does carotid artery stenosis cause stroke?
Brain cells start to die after just a few minutes without blood or oxygen. If the narrowing of the carotid arteries becomes severe enough that blood flow is blocked, it can cause a stroke. If a piece of plaque breaks off it can also block blood flow to the brain. This too can cause a stroke.
What is PSV and EDV?
PSV = peak systolic velocity. EDV = end diastolic velocity.
What causes carotid stenosis?
Carotid artery disease, also called carotid artery stenosis, is the narrowing of the carotid arteries, usually caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of cholesterol, fat and other substances traveling through the bloodstream, such as inflammatory cells, cellular waste products, proteins and calcium.
How can I naturally unblock my carotid artery?
Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Add more good fats to your diet. Good fats are also called unsaturated fats.
- Cut sources of saturated fat, such as fatty meat and dairy. Choose lean cuts of meat, and try eating more plant-based meals.
- Eliminate artificial sources of trans fats.
- Increase your fiber intake.
- Cut back on sugar.
What foods are good for carotid artery?
Lifestyle Changes
- Eat a healthy, low-fat diet.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Choose high-fiber foods, such as whole-grain breads, pastas, cereals, and crackers.
- Eat lean meats and skinless chicken and turkey.
- Eat fish twice a week.
- Cut back on saturated fat, cholesterol, and added salt and sugar.
How fast does carotid stenosis progress?
The average rate of progression of stenosis over 2 years is not significant but greater in diabetic patients with baseline stenosis >50% who continue smoking. Rescreening by serial DUS should be limited to high-grade stenosis and follow-up performed at an interval of 1-2 years.
What are the signs and symptoms of a blocked carotid artery?
Symptoms
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, often on only one side of the body.
- Sudden trouble speaking and understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance.
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
What is normal PSV in carotid artery?
Table 1.
| Diameter stenosis (%) | PSV (cm/sec) | ICA/CCA PSV ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | <125 | <2.0 |
| <50 | <125 | <2.0 |
| 50-69 | 125-230 | 2.0-4.0 |
| ≥70 | >230 | >4.0 |