Narrowing of the carotid artery: risk of stroke

In the case of arteriosclerosis, the risk of stroke increase significantly if the carotid artery is narrowed. Arteriosclerosis is caused by deposits (plaques) that narrow the arteries.

In the case of arteriosclerosis (premature calcification), the risk of a stroke (apoplexy) can increase significantly if the carotid artery is narrowed. This type of arteriosclerosis is caused by deposits (plaques) that lead to a narrowing of the arteries.

More than half of strokes are caused by such a narrowing of the carotid artery (carotid stenosis). Carotid stenosis usually develops gradually, so it is often only discovered by chance. The first sign is often a so-called transient ischemic attack (TIA). This involves short-term symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, numbness, paralysis, speech disorders, and visual disturbances or numbness.

• Risk factors for carotid stenosis include: 
• Smoking
• High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
• Hypertension
• Diabetes mellitus
• Familial clustering of arteriosclerosis
• overweight
• lack of exercise

An ultrasound examination brings clarity

Dr. Reinhold Lunow, medical director of the practice clinic for Diagnostics and Preventive Medicine in Bornheim near Cologne, Bonn and Düsseldorf therefore recommends that patients have an ultrasound examination of the neck vessels using color Doppler sonography every one to two years as a precautionary measure, depending on the risk. Patients over 50 years of age should definitely have such an examination once a year. With the ultrasound examination of the carotid artery, the deposits can be shown with millimeter precision and the flow rate can be measured.

Treatment for carotid stenosis depends on the degree of narrowing and the symptoms. If the narrowing of the carotid artery is mild to moderate, lifestyle changes or medication may be enough to prevent a stroke. This is the case if less than 60% of the diameter of the carotid artery is affected and if no symptoms such as short-term paralysis, numbness, speech disorders or visual disturbances have occurred.

The most important therapeutic measure is to normalize blood pressure and reduce the cholesterol and other blood fats. Diabetes should be well controlled. To prevent blood clots, acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. aspirin) or other blood-thinning medications may be prescribed.

In cases of severe narrowing of the carotid artery, surgery or the insertion of a stent may be necessary.