Conditions We Treat

Carotid Artery Disease

What Is Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease is a condition where the carotid arteries, located in the neck and responsible for supplying blood to the brain, become narrowed or blocked due to a build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis). This narrowing reduces blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of a stroke, which can occur if a blood clot forms and blocks the artery or if pieces of the fatty plaque break off and travel to the brain.

Early detection and management of carotid artery disease are essential for preventing stroke and maintaining brain health.

Symptoms of Carotid Artery Disease

In many cases, carotid artery disease progresses without symptoms until it becomes severe. However, warning signs may include:


  • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Temporary stroke-like symptoms, such as sudden weakness, numbness, or tingling on one side of the body, vision loss in one eye, or difficulty speaking. These symptoms usually last minutes to hours and resolve without permanent damage.
  • Sudden dizziness or loss of balance.
  • Severe headaches or confusion in rare cases.


A TIA is often referred to as a “mini-stroke” and is a serious warning sign that a full stroke may occur. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling 999.

Who Is at Risk?

The risk of carotid artery disease increases with:

  • High blood pressure.
  • High cholesterol levels.
  • Smoking.
  • Diabetes.
  • Obesity.
  • Lack of physical activity.
  • A family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease.
  • Increasing age (particularly over 65).

Preventing Carotid Artery Disease

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the first step in preventing carotid artery disease and reducing stroke risk:

  • Stop Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and accelerates atherosclerosis.
  • Manage Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: A healthy diet and prescribed medications, such as statins or antihypertensives, can help keep levels in check.
  • Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to improve overall cardiovascular health.
  • Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while reducing salt and saturated fat intake.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Weight management reduces strain on your heart and arteries.
  • Control Diabetes: Keep blood sugar levels within the recommended range through diet, exercise, and medication if needed.

  • Regular health checks are crucial, particularly if you have risk factors, to monitor for early signs of carotid artery disease.

Treatment Options for Carotid Artery Disease

Treatment depends on the severity of the narrowing in your carotid arteries and whether you have experienced symptoms such as a TIA or stroke.

Medication

  • Antiplatelet Therapy: Drugs such as aspirin or clopidogrel reduce the risk of blood clots forming.
  • Statins: These lower cholesterol levels and slow the progression of atherosclerosis.
  • Antihypertensive Medications: Controlling blood pressure reduces strain on the arteries.

Surgical Intervention:

For patients with significant narrowing (typically greater than 70%) or those who have experienced symptoms such as a TIA, surgical intervention may be recommended.

Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)

  • This is the most common surgical procedure to treat carotid artery disease. It involves making an incision in the neck to access the carotid artery, removing the fatty deposits causing the narrowing, and then repairing the artery.
  • Performed under local or general anaesthetic, this procedure has a proven track record of reducing the risk of stroke.

Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS)

  • For patients who are not suitable for endarterectomy due to other health conditions, stenting may be an alternative.
  • This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a small metal stent into the artery via a catheter to widen it and improve blood flow.


Both procedures are highly effective when performed by skilled doctors, with your choice of treatment guided by individual circumstances and risks.

Why Choose The Vein Surgeons for Carotid Artery Disease?

At The Vein Surgeons, we provide expert care for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of carotid artery disease. Our experienced consultants follow evidence-based guidelines from NICE and the NHS to offer the safest and most effective treatments. Whether through lifestyle advice, medication management, or advanced surgical interventions, our personalised approach ensures the best possible outcomes.


We understand the importance of early intervention and proactive care to protect your brain health and reduce the risk of stroke. Contact us today to book your consultation and take control of your vascular health.