User:Mr. Ibrahem/Carotid artery stenosis

Carotid artery stenosis is a narrowing of any part of the carotid arteries. Often there is no symptoms; though with severe narrowing stroke-like symptoms may occur. Complications may include stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inactivity, diabetes, and family history. The underlying mechanism most commonly involves atherosclerosis; though fibromuscular dysplasia or carotid artery dissection may also be involved. Diagnosis is often by medical imaging.

Prevention and treatment involves adopting a healthy lifestyle. In those who suddenly develop symptoms due to occlusion, carotid endarterectomy or thrombolysis may be options. In those who have a blockage, which is long standing, medications are typically used. In those who have a blockage between 50% and 99% and develop symptoms, carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting within 2 weeks is recommended.

Carotid artery stenosis that results in symptoms affects about 6 per 100,000 people. About a third of strokes occur due to carotid artery disease. Women are more commonly affected than men. It becomes more common with age. The link between carotid artery stenosis and stroke has been described since at least 1856. Surgical treatments came into use in the 1950s.