The Carotid Artery is the major artery that supplies blood to the brain. Carotid Artery Disease (CAD) occurs when the Carotid Artery becomes clogged with plaque deposits, blocking or hindering blood flow to the brain. It can have serious consequences. Brain cells can start to die very quickly after just a few minutes of a lack of oxygen due to the blockage (a stroke).

Did you know that CAD is the #1 cause of ischemic stroke? The buildup of plaque in the arteries can begin in the teens or 20s and slowly develops into CAD later on. Symptoms usually show at 45 years of age for men and 55 years of age for women. Moreover, cerebral vascular diseases were the 4th leading cause of death in 2017 in Singapore.

Patients with CAD usually display no symptoms and are diagnosed only after a stroke or a transient ischemic stroke (TIA), also known as a mini stroke. Unlike a full stroke, it does not cause permanent damage to the brain tissue and symptoms can usually disappear within a few minutes. However, these mild strokes should be taken seriously as they can be warning signs of an increased risk of a more severe stroke in the future.

Patients with CAD usually display no symptoms and are diagnosed only after a stroke or a transient ischemic stroke (TIA), also known as a mini stroke. Unlike a full stroke, it does not cause permanent damage to the brain tissue and symptoms can usually disappear within a few minutes. However, these mild strokes should be taken seriously as they can be warning signs of an increased risk of a more severe stroke in the future.

Several factors can increase a person's risk of stroke, including the following:

• History of past stroke – Having had a previous stroke raises the likelihood of a recurrent event.

• Age – Stroke risk increases with advancing age.

• Smoking – Tobacco use damages blood vessels and significantly raises stroke risk.

• Obesity – Excess body weight is linked to high blood pressure and other stroke-related conditions.

• Diabetes – High blood sugar levels over time can damage blood vessels and increase stroke risk.

• Family history of stroke or coronary artery disease (CAD) – A genetic predisposition may raise the risk of stroke.

• High cholesterol – Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, contributing to stroke.

• High blood glucose causes damage to blood vessels, making them more susceptible to vascular diseases.
• Heart disease and stroke are one of the most common causes of death in patients with diabetes
• What increases the chances of stroke if you have diabetes?
  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • High cholesterol levels

Manage your ABCS

• A - A1C Test
• B - Blood Pressure
• C - Cholesterol
• S - Stop Smoking!

 Maintain a healthy lifestyle and also manage your stress.

Carotid stenting

A catheter is inserted into the artery, and a balloon is inserted through it and inflated to widen arteries. A stent is then placed into the artery to support the walls of the artery and prevent it from narrowing again. 

Benefits

• Minimally invasive
• Local anesthesia
• Minimal downtime

Stent placement with balloon angioplasty is a common procedure for treating coronary artery disease (CAD). A small balloon is used to widen narrowed heart arteries, and a stent is placed to keep the artery open. This helps restore blood flow, relieve chest pain, and reduce the risk of heart attack.

Endarterectomy

An open surgery where doctors make an incision in the neck to access the artery. 

Medication

A doctor may prescribe blood-thinning, daily aspirin or anti blood clot medication.

Screening for high risk patients

There are a few stroke scans and screenings for patients who fall into the high-risk group for a CAD.

• Head CT scan
• Ultrasound
• MRI scan
• MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography)

CAD mainly affects those in older age groups however, the factors leading up to the disease can begin at a very young age.

The first obvious symptom is usually a stroke, which is usually already too late to prevent lasting effects on quality of life.

If you found these illustrations helpful, continue exploring our comprehensive carotid artery disease resources to better understand stroke prevention, vascular screening, treatment options, recovery after carotid stenting, and how specialists develop personalised care plans.

Explore:

• Carotid Artery Disease (CAD) & Stroke
• Understanding Carotid Artery Examination
• Where to Get Dizziness or Visual Disturbances Evaluated for Possible Carotid Disease
• Carotid Stenting Decision-Making Guide
• Carotid Stenting: Stroke Treatment in Singapore
• Carotid Stent Recovery Timeline
• Reduce Your Risk of Stroke and Vascular Disease
• Comprehensive Stroke, Heart & Peripheral Vessel Risk Assessments