Sonnoy artery stenosis

Description carotid stenosis

Stenosis of the carotid artery ever encounter narrowing of the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries run along both sides of the neck. As it enters the blood from the heart to the brain.

Stenosis of arteries sonnыh It is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke may, When blood flow to the brain is blocked due to blood clots. Carotid stenosis is a potentially serious disease, which requires a reference to the doctor.

Causes of carotid stenosis

Stenosis of the carotid arteries is caused by the accumulation of plaque on artery walls. This buildup is called atherosclerosis. Plaque is composed of cholesterol, fat and other substances.

Risk factors for carotid stenosis

Factors, which increase the likelihood of carotid stenosis:

• Family history of atherosclerosis;
• Coronary artery disease;
• Peripheral Arterial Disease – artery disease (usually in the legs), caused by the accumulation of fat in the walls of the raid;
• Age – men aged 75 or younger, women aged 75 and older;
• Smoking;
• High blood pressure;
• Diabetes;
• High cholesterol;
• Obesity.

The symptoms of carotid stenosis

Usually, стеноз сонных артерий не вызывает никаких симптомов. Tell your doctor, if you have symptoms of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke). This is a warning sign, that you may have carotid stenosis. Symptoms may include:

• Blindness, blurred or dim vision;
• Weakness, numbness or tingling of the face, hands, leg or one side of the body;
• Difficulty speaking or understanding words;
• Dizziness, unsteadiness of gait and falling for no reason;
• Problems with balance or coordination;
• Loss of consciousness;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Sudden confusion or loss of memory.

Diagnosis of carotid stenosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. For the detection of violations of blood flow in the carotid arteries is used stethoscope.

Additional tests may include:

• Ultrasound of the carotid arteries – used equipment, which is located on the side of the neck and is used to identify the arteries narrow portions;
• Computed tomography angiography – to examine the blood flow in the arteries, It uses a special liquid, which is injected into the blood, and then carried out computer processing of x-rays;
• Magnetic resonance angiography – during the procedure using the device, creates a strong magnetic field and a special liquid, which is injected into the blood, and then take pictures of the arteries.

Treatment of carotid stenosis

Medication and lifestyle changes

If the stenosis causes no symptoms and a slight accumulation of plaque, They can be assigned to different drugs, such as aspirin, that can help prevent the occurrence of stroke. Lifestyle changes are also an important part of treatment. Some actions, you can take, to reduce the risk of stroke:

• Eat a healthy diet;
• Exercise regularly;
• If you smoke, to throw;
• If you have diabetes, you need to get proper treatment;
• If you have high cholesterol, the doctor will recommend, how to reduce it;
• If you have high blood pressure, you need to keep it under control.

Surgery for carotid stenosis

Surgery may be needed, If the arteries showed significant accumulation of plaque. Most often performed carotid endarterectomy. The procedure involves opening the artery and plaque purification from the inner walls.

Another operation, which can be assigned, It called carotid angioplasty and stentirovanie. При проведении этой операции в артерию вводится баллон, allowing it to expand. Then the artery set metal grid, It called stent. This allows you to keep the artery open and maintain normal blood circulation.

Prevention of carotid stenosis

To reduce the risk of carotid stenosis, necessary, to reduce the risk factors, which is possible to control. For Example, you can lower your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight. Steps, that reduce these risk factors:

• Exercise regularly;
• Eat more fruits and vegetables. Limit your intake of salt and fat;
• Quit smoking.
• If you drink alcohol, do it moderately – 40-80 grams of strong alcohol a day for men, and no more than 40 programs for women;
• Maintain a healthy weight;
• Maintain blood pressure within safe limits. Follow your doctor's recommendations, if you have high blood pressure;
• Kontroliryte high cholesterol and diabetes.