Carotid stenosis

About carotid stenosis

This disease is caused when the carotid artery becomes narrower due to arteriosclerosis

The carotid artery is a thick vessel that carries blood from the aorta to the brain. It divides at the neck into a vessel that carries blood to the middle of the head (the internal carotid artery) and one that carries blood to the face (the external carotid artery). This branching is called the carotid bifurcation, and is a common site of arteriosclerosis. "Carotid artery stenosis" is a condition in which arteriosclerosis develops at the carotid bifurcation, narrowing the artery. This reduces blood flow to the brain, and blood clots and arteriosclerotic debris from the stenotic area may be carried into and block the cerebral vessels, subsequently causing cerebral infarction.

Because the carotid artery carries blood to the brain, carotid artery stenosis is mainly performed by neurologists and neurosurgeons with a good knowledge of nerve function. These clinicians are fully experienced in the treatment of cerebral infarction. In particular, arteriosclerosis may also be present in those cerebral blood vessels further past the carotid artery, meaning that diagnosis by a specialist in cerebral stroke is essential to ensure that the appropriate treatment is carried out. The frequency of this condition is slowly increasing in Japan, due in part to an increasingly Western diet. Blood vessels carry nutrients to every part of the human body. Arteriosclerosis caused by diseases such as metabolic syndrome, hypercholesteremia, and hypertension may occur not only in the carotid artery, but in all other parts, including the cardiac vessels, aorta, and vessels in the arms and legs, as well. If abnormalities are also present in other vessels, treatment is carried out with the cooperation of other departments, such as cardiovascular medicine and vascular surgery. We also exchange information with patients' regular doctors when engaging in treatment to improve the condition of the blood and blood vessels. This condition frequently requires comprehensive treatment that involves collaboration between specialists in a variety of fields.

[ Cervical carotid artery and major arteries in a human ]

The carotid artery supplies blood to the brain.

[ Carotid stenosis ]

A bifurcation of the cervical carotid artery is susceptible to occurrence of atherosclerotic plaque, and the plaque obstructs a blood flow to the brain.

Symptom of carotid stenosis

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