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Orlando Vascular Surgery — Vascular Surgery & Vein Care Center

Experienced Vascular Specialists · Covered by Medicare & Most Major Insurance · In-Office Outpatient Procedures

Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid Artery Disease occurs when the main arteries in the neck (carotid arteries) narrow or become blocked by fatty plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). Because these arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood directly to the brain, severe carotid narrowing substantially elevates the risk of a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or major stroke.

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What Causes Carotid Artery Disease?

  • Atherosclerosis: Accumulation of cholesterol, calcium, and cellular debris along carotid artery walls.
  • High Blood Pressure: Chronic force against vessel walls accelerating plaque formation.
  • High Cholesterol: Excess LDL cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream.
  • Smoking: Tobacco toxins inflame artery linings and facilitate clot formation.
  • Diabetes: Elevated blood glucose levels that harm blood vessel structure over time.

What Are the Symptoms of Carotid Artery Disease?

  • Typically silent in early stages until a TIA ("mini-stroke") or stroke occurs.
  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
  • Sudden difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or trouble understanding speech
  • Temporary loss of vision in one eye (amaurosis fugax, often described as a shade pulled over the eye)
  • Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking

How Can Carotid Artery Disease Be Prevented?

  • Manage cardiovascular risk factors through proper medication and routine medical monitoring.
  • Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure.
  • Follow a Mediterranean-style diet low in saturated fats and refined sugars.
  • Engage in 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly.

What Are the Treatments for Carotid Artery Disease?

  • Medical Management & Lifestyle Modifications: Antiplatelet medications (aspirin), statins, and blood pressure regulation.
  • Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR): A minimally invasive procedure with neuroprotection that places a stent in the carotid artery via a small incision above the collarbone.
  • Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA): A proven surgical procedure to directly remove plaque deposits from the carotid artery.
  • Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS): Catheter-based balloon dilation and stent placement for select surgical candidates.

Protect against stroke risks by scheduling a carotid ultrasound evaluation at Vascular Surgery & Vein Care Center in Orlando, Florida.

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Most treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurance plans.