The carotid arteries are the arteries that carry the main supply of blood to the brain. They break off from the aorta (the largest artery in the body) a short distance from the heart, and extend upward through the neck. There are four carotid arteries – one pair on each side of the neck. If you have ever felt for your pulse in your neck, you were feeling for the carotid arteries. These arteries are very important because the brain requires a constant supply of blood. If these arteries become diseased, treatment such as vascular surgery may be necessary.
What is carotid artery disease?
Carotid artery disease that may require vascular surgery Washington DC is when these arteries become narrowed. It is most commonly related to a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque (deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, and other material) on the inner lining of the artery. It is usually a slow, progressive condition that you may have for many years without knowing it; however, it does progress rapidly in some people. Your carotid arteries may be slowly narrowing for years with no indication that you may need vascular surgery DC until you have a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or a stroke. These occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, often due to narrowed arteries or to pieces of plaque breaking away from the inner lining of the artery and obstructing blood flow.
In addition to vascular surgery Washington DC, treatment can include medication and management of risk factors. Risk factors that you may be able to modify include: smoking, high cholesterol, lack of exercise, poor eating habits, and high blood pressure.
Vascular surgery Washington DC
Often following a diagnosis of carotid artery disease, treatment at a vascular surgery center Washington DC will be recommended. For those who have only a short blockage in the artery, a vascular surgery Washington DC called carotid endarterectomy may be needed. During this procedure, a surgeon at a vascular surgery center Washington DC opens the artery in the neck to remove the blockage. Another option at vascular surgery hospitals Washington DC is a minimally invasive procedure where a very small hallow tube is inserted into the artery to help hold it open. Visit www.medstarwashington.org/our-services/medstar-heart-vascular-institute/treatments/vascular-surgery to learn more about vascular surgery Washington DC.
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