Carotid Artery Disease
Blood is carried to the brain and head through a pair of blood vessels called the carotid arteries. Carotid Artery Disease is caused by a gradual build up of waxy deposits called plaques, over the inner surface of the arteries. These plaques can block the blood supply being transported to the brain and might lead to a stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also recognized as "mini-stroke", that occurs if there is a blood clot that restricts an artery supplying blood to the brain.
Carotid Artery Disease is responsible for 20%-30% of all strokes. The treatment of Carotid Artery Disease might include a mixture of lifestyle changes, medication and in certain causes, surgery.