According to the Cleveland Clinc, The prevalence of carotid artery stenosis in the general population is estimated to be as high as 5%. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke ranks fifth on the list of conditions that cause death. Carotid artery stenosis is something that usually happens over time and as you age, the risk for this condition as well as for stroke increases.
Carotid stenosis is a condition that refers to the stiffening and narrowing of your carotid artery, which is the primary blood vessel to your brain, due to the buildup of fatty deposits along the blood vessel wall. The narrowing of the blood vessel may deprive your brain of oxygen or increase your risk of stroke.
You may be at risk of developing carotid stenosis if you have a history of high blood pressure or high cholesterol, smoke cigarettes, or are obese. Not getting enough exercise may also increase your risk.
Carotid stenosis often develops without showing any signs or symptoms. You may not know the blood vessel is narrowing until you’ve had a stroke or you’ve experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a lack of oxygen to your brain.
Signs and symptoms of a stroke or TIA include the sudden onset of:
- Difficulty speaking
- Numbness in your face or extremities
- Difficulty seeing
- Loss of balance
- Severe headache
You should seek medical attention right away if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.