What is the carotid artery stenosis?
Carotid arteries located in the throat are the main source of blood flow rich in oxygen into the brain. The carotid artery stenosis (CAS) occurs when these arteries are intensified and narrower, and thus some of these necessary blood. While in most people there is a slight carotid artery stenosis, the greater the blockage, the greater the chance that these disabilities will suffer from stroke or temporary ischemic attack (mini-tug). In the artery, plaque from cholesterol and fat can accumulate and create a narrow path for blood flow. High blood platelet levels can also be clotting in arteries and block the way.
When the stroke is caused by the artery stenosis, the artery usually narrowed and the plates accumulated at a narrow point to form a clot. When blood accumulates behind the clot, the clot can eventually be transferred to the brain. In addition, the clot prevents from getting into the brain and interrupting the flow, albeit temporary, killing brain cells and disrupting the function of the brain.
It is estimated that from the 600,000 strikesthat occur every year in the US, approximately one fourth to half is caused by the carotid artery stenosis. Early detection and treatment could therefore help in the US to prevent 150,000-300,000 strikes. Detection and treatment of CAS depends on symptoms and the extent in which carotid arteries are narrowed.
In some cases, during its annual medical examination, the doctor will be called bruit when using a stethoscope. If bruit is recorded, the patient is likely to undergo Doppler's ultrasound carotid artery to confirm stenosis. When carotid artery stenosis is detected, further tests are performed to evaluate the degree of stenosis.
angiograms or catheterization use RAST color to outline and measure stenosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer tomography (CT scan) can also be used. In patients with pacemakers, MRI is contraindicated as they may interrupt the cardiac signals andAngiograms have a certain risk of stroke. One non -invasive test, oculoplethysmography, evaluates blood pressure in each eye and may show whether a significant blood flow to the eye is affected by the carotid artery stenosis.
Unfortunately, the first symptom of carotid artery stenosis may be impaired brain function, mini stroke or full stroke. Annual physical exams can help with timely detection and therefore recommended. Patients with a significant family history of CAS or moves should inform their doctors. Smokers and obese have a higher risk of CAS and should be monitored. Persons with a high number of cholesterol are also at risk.
If CAS is present but blocks less than 50% of the artery, it includes the treatment of risk factors sold more stenosis such as smoking cessation, lower fat diet and prescribed exercise. These are generally combined with the use of anticoagulance such as aspirin. The dose is very low, basically a "child" aspirin (81 mg) per day.
may also be prescribed anotherAnticoagulants such as Warfarin. Risk factors with warfarin may include excessive bleeding and bruising. Those taking warfarin are carefully monitored through blood tests and have some diet restrictions.
When carotid artery stenosis is more than 50%, several strategies can be used to treat it. Carotid endarterectomy is a surgery in which the surgeon opens the artery and cleans the creation and blocking of plaque. Without complications, most of the adoption of this operation will be outside the hospital in a few days. The effects of endarterectomy last up to 20 years and significantly reduce the risk factors of stroke.
In some cases where the risk of general anesthesia is too large, cardiologists perform carotid angioplasty. This includes the catheter insertion, generally through the artery into the thigh and putting it into the narrowed part of the cervical artery. Once there is, the balloon is inflated to the catheter to open the artery.
After inflating the balloon is placed hollow metal tube called stentem to make the artery open. The advantage of this method is that it is not performed under general anesthesia; Patients are usually aware of during the procedure and go home a few hours later. However, this is a relatively new procedure and long -term results are not available.
Since carotid artery stenosis can cause such serious health risks, it is advisable to follow a plan to prevent it from cure rather than cure it. Exercise, reasonable diet and smoking are all ways to reduce building plaque in the arteries. Annual inspections can also help capture stenosis in the early stages, so it can focus on relatively simple behavior changes to prevent progression.