CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE (CAD) – STROKE
Carotid artery disease is a condition in which the carotid arteries, located on each side of the neck, become narrowed or blocked. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain, and their obstruction can lead to serious health issues like strokes.
Causes
The primary cause of carotid artery disease is atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arterial walls. Risk factors include:
- High Blood Pressure: Increases strain on arterial walls.
- High Cholesterol: Contributes to plaque formation.
- Smoking: Damages blood vessels and accelerates atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes: Affects blood vessel health.
- Age & Family History: Older age and genetics can increase risk.
Symptoms
In early stages, carotid artery disease may not cause symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, warning signs of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) may appear:
- Sudden Weakness: Especially on one side of the body.
- Difficulty Speaking: Slurred speech or inability to form words.
- Vision Problems: Temporary loss of vision in one eye.
- Dizziness or Loss of Balance.
Diagnosis
- Carotid Ultrasound: Visualizes blood flow in the arteries.
- CT or MRI Angiography: Provides detailed images of the arteries.
- Physical Exam: Listening for a bruit, an abnormal sound in the artery.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease:
- Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking.
- Medications: Blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and medications to control blood pressure.
- Procedures:
- Carotid Endarterectomy: Surgical removal of plaque.
- Carotid Artery Stenting: Placement of a stent to keep the artery open.
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and physical activity.
- Regularly monitor and manage conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
What Dr. Puneeth Joopalli suggests is males and people with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease have an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Other risk factors include:
Loss of head to body co-ordination with sudden episodes of difficulty walking or unexplained dizziness or unsteadiness. especially in combination with any of the previously noted symptoms.Sudden nausea or vomiting, fainting, confusion, seizures or coma are lees common symptoms of stroke.Stroke victims show different symptoms depending on the type of stroke, where exactly the stroke occurs in their brain, and how acute the bleeding is. Stroke symptoms happen suddenly and simultaneously, but not all symptoms may occur. Although strokes are usually sudden attacks, strokes can also occur over hours or several small stroke can occur over time. Symptoms then build in intensity as the stroke becomes more acute.Time saved is brain saved if small symptoms of stoke begins please call angiocare immediately. It usually takes a few seconds for the brain to stop functioning. The quicker a stoke victim treated, the less devastating the consequences will be.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading cause of stroke and the most significant controllable risk factor.
The nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke damage the cardiovascular system and pave the way for a stroke. The use of birth control pills combined with cigarette smoking can greatly increase the risk of stroke.
If you have Type 1 or 2 diabetes, control your blood sugar. Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for stroke. Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and are overweight increasing their risk even more.
Diets high in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol can raise blood cholesterol levels. Diets high in sodium (salt) can increase blood pressure. Diets with high calories can lead to obesity.
Physical inactivity can increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes.
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Large amounts of cholesterol in the blood can build up and cause blood clots leading to a stroke.
If one suspects the following signs and symptoms ; discuss and get diagnosis in Angiocare.
If one undergoes sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body
If one complains of sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye
Uncontrolled loss of speech, or trouble talking or following or understanding speech
Persistent sudden severe headache with no apparent cause
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Angiocare Hospital, located in Tarnaka and Kukatpally, is renowned as one of the best hospitals in Hyderabad, offering comprehensive medical services in urology, orthopedics, vascular care, dental care, laparoscopic surgery, gastrointestinal care, gynecology, and general medicine.
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