Carotid Stenosis: Definition, Risks, and Management

When talking about carotid stenosis, a narrowing of the carotid arteries caused by plaque buildup that reduces blood flow to the brain. Also known as carotid artery narrowing, it can silently progress until a warning sign appears.

Key Factors and Management

The most common driver behind this narrowing is atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits inside artery walls that harden over time. As the plaque grows, the artery’s lumen shrinks, creating the condition we call carotid stenosis. This reduced flow raises the chance of stroke, a sudden loss of brain function due to interrupted blood supply. In everyday terms, think of it as a clogged garden hose that eventually stops watering the plants.

Doctors don’t rely on guesswork. The first line of diagnosis is a duplex ultrasound, a non‑invasive scan that uses sound waves to visualize plaque and measure blood speed. The test creates a real‑time picture of the artery, showing exactly how much narrowing is present. If the scan reveals a significant blockage, the medical team moves to the next step: deciding whether medication, surgery, or a minimally invasive stent is best.

When the narrowing reaches 70 % or more, many specialists recommend a surgical fix called carotid endarterectomy, a procedure that removes the plaque directly from the artery wall. For patients who can’t tolerate open surgery, a carotid stent offers a less invasive alternative: a small mesh tube is inserted via a catheter to hold the artery open. Both approaches aim to restore normal blood flow and sharply cut the risk of stroke.

Medication plays a supporting role. Antiplatelet drugs like aspirin keep blood from clotting around the plaque, while statins slow down further plaque formation. These medicines don’t reverse the narrowing, but they create a safer environment while you wait for a possible procedure or if surgery isn’t needed right away.

Lifestyle changes matter, too. Eating a heart‑healthy diet, quitting smoking, and staying active can slow atherosclerosis’s advance. Even modest weight loss can lower pressure on the carotid walls, giving the artery a better chance to stay open.

Regular monitoring completes the picture. After an initial ultrasound, follow‑up scans every six to twelve months track whether the blockage is growing. If it stays stable, you might avoid surgery altogether; if it worsens, the timeline for intervention shortens.

Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that dive deeper into each of these topics—diagnostic tools, medical therapies, surgical options, and everyday steps you can take to protect your brain health.