Carotid artery disease is atherosclerotic narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain. This condition significantly increases stroke risk, particularly when stenosis is severe. Livasa Hospital provides comprehensive evaluation of carotid disease and implements evidence-based stroke prevention strategies including medical optimisation, carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting when appropriate.

Understanding Carotid Artery Disease

The carotid arteries are major vessels carrying oxygenated blood to the brain. Atherosclerotic plaques narrow these vessels progressively. Strokes can result from:

• Thromboembolism – Blood clots forming on plaques and traveling to the brain

• Haemodynamic compromise – Reduced blood flow through severely stenotic vessels

• Plaque rupture – Destabilisation and embolisation of plaque material

The degree of stenosis and plaque characteristics determine stroke risk.

Risk Factors for Carotid Disease

Common risk factors include:

• Hypertension – Primary atherosclerotic risk factor

• Smoking – Accelerates atherosclerosis and increases plaque instability

• Dyslipidaemia – Elevated LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol

• Diabetes mellitus – Accelerates vascular disease

• Advanced age – Cumulative atherosclerotic burden

• Male sex – Increased disease prevalence

• Family history – Genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis

• Obesity – Associated metabolic dysfunction

• Physical inactivity – Impaired cardiovascular fitness

Clinical Presentation

Carotid disease can be asymptomatic or present with neurological symptoms:

Asymptomatic Disease:

• Often discovered incidentally on imaging done for other reasons

• Scanning performed due to other vascular risk factors

Symptomatic Disease:

• Transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) – Temporary neurological deficits resolving within 24 hours

• Amaurosis fugax – Transient monocular vision loss

• Stroke – Permanent neurological deficit

• Symptoms depend on brain region affected

Diagnostic Evaluation at Livasa Hospital

Carotid disease assessment utilises multiple imaging modalities:

Classification of Carotid Stenosis

Stenosis severity guides treatment decisions:

• <50% stenosis – Usually managed medically; low stroke risk

• 50–69% stenosis – Intermediate risk; management individualised

• ≥70% stenosis – High-risk category; intervention considered

• Near-occlusion – Highest risk category; careful assessment required

Treatment Strategies

Medical Management (Optimal Therapy):

All carotid patients receive:

• Antiplatelet therapy – Aspirin or dual antiplatelet therapy

• Statin therapy – Intensive lipid management

• Antihypertensive therapy – Blood pressure control

• Diabetes management – Tight glucose control if diabetic

• Smoking cessation – Complete elimination of tobacco use

• Lifestyle modification – Diet, exercise, weight management

Carotid Endarterectomy:

• Surgical removal of atherosclerotic plaque from carotid artery

• Indicated for symptomatic ≥50% stenosis or asymptomatic ≥60–70% stenosis

• Generally performed under local anaesthesia

• Restores normal carotid blood flow

Carotid Artery Stenting:

• Catheter-based placement of stent across stenotic segment

• Alternative to endarterectomy in selected patients

• Used in high-surgical-risk patients or restenosis cases

Why Choose Livasa Hospital?

• Comprehensive vascular diagnostic capabilities

• Experienced vascular surgeons for endarterectomy

• Interventional cardiologists skilled in carotid stenting

• Stroke prevention programs and secondary prevention services

• Integration with stroke specialists

NAP – Contact Details

Livasa Hospital Mohali
Sector 71, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS Nagar)
Mohali, Punjab – 160071
Phone: +91-80788 80788 (24/7 Emergency)
Website: www.livasahospitals.com

Call +91-80788 80788 to schedule carotid artery disease evaluation at Livasa Hospital.