Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty deposits (plaque) made of cholesterol, calcium, and other substances accumulate inside the carotid arteries. Over time, this build-up causes the arteries to harden and narrow, a condition called atherosclerosis.
Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty deposits (plaque) made of cholesterol, calcium, and other substances accumulate inside the carotid arteries. Over time, this build-up causes the arteries to harden and narrow, a condition called atherosclerosis.
When the narrowing becomes severe, blood flow to the brain is reduced, or a clot may form and travel to the brain, causing a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke. The condition is more common in older adults, but risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and a sedentary lifestyle can accelerate its development.
