Did you know that the health of the arteries in your neck plays a crucial role in your overall well-being? The carotid arteries are the main pathways that carry oxygen-rich blood to your brain. At Soleil Surgical, we want to inform you about an important condition, one that many people are unaware of, which can affect these arteries and how we can help you keep them healthy.
What is Carotid Artery Disease?
Imagine your carotid arteries as vital highways supplying everything your brain needs to function correctly. Carotid Artery Disease (CAD) occurs when fatty deposits and other substances accumulate, forming plaque that can narrow these “highways.” This reduced blood flow can increase the risk of serious problems like thrombosis or strokes.
Why Does Plaque Build Up in the Arteries?
Although the process can be gradual, certain factors can contribute to the formation of this plaque:
- The passage of time: Just like other parts of your body, our arteries can change with age.
- Smoking: Smoking can damage the artery walls and promote plaque buildup.
- High blood pressure: Hypertension can put stress on the arteries.
- High cholesterol levels: Especially LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, can deposit on the artery walls.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can affect the health of blood vessels.
- Family history: If there’s a family history of Carotid Artery Disease (CAD), the risk may be higher.
- A sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet: These factors can influence your vascular health.
How Can We Detect Carotid Artery Disease?
It’s important to pay attention to the signals your body sends you. Although Carotid Artery Disease (CAD) often doesn’t show symptoms in its early stages, it’s crucial to be aware of:
- Transient episodes: Brief moments of weakness, numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, or vision problems that disappear quickly. These can be a warning sign.
- Persistent symptoms: If you experience any of the above symptoms continuously, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Options for Taking Care of Your Carotid Arteries
At Soleil Surgical, we understand the importance of a comprehensive approach to vascular health. Prevention and treatment options may include:
- Adopting healthy habits: Making changes to your diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking are fundamental steps.
- Medication management: Your doctor may prescribe medications to control cholesterol, blood pressure, and reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Procedures we perform at Soleil Surgical: We perform carotid angiograms when a precise evaluation of your carotid arteries is necessary. This invasive imaging procedure involves carefully inserting a catheter into a blood vessel in your arm or leg, guiding it with the aid of a specialized X-ray machine to the carotid arteries. This technique allows us to visualize the condition of these important blood vessels in detail.
- Surgery we perform at Soleil Surgical: When necessary, our highly skilled team performs carotid endarterectomy. This is a surgical option to remove the plaque from the artery.
Your vascular health is important to us, and as vascular specialists at Soleil Surgical, we are here to provide you with information and treatment options for Carotid Artery Disease. “It’s essential to be alert to any signs and see your doctor regularly for routine check-ups.”
Early detection and proper management can make a significant difference in your long-term health.
Schedule an appointment with one of our vascular specialists at (407) 343-4983 and prioritize the health of your carotid arteries. Let’s take care of your brain together!