What is Carotid Artery Stenosis?
The Carotid Arteries are the main arteries in your neck that supply blood to your brain. The carotid artery can become narrowed by the accumulation of a substance called plaque, a disease process known as atherosclerosis. Narrowing of the carotid artery is known as carotid artery stenosis.
Why is Carotid Artery Stenosis important?
Insufficient blood flow to the brain, resulting from carotid artery stenosis, can result in a transient ischemic attack or a stroke. A transient ischemic attack, or TIA, occurs when the blood flowing to an area of the brain stops for a brief period of time. The signs and symptoms of a TIA are similar to a stroke and a serious warning that you may be at risk of a stroke. A stroke is a “brain attack” resulting from loss of blood supply to a region of the brain, leading to oxygen deprivation and the death of brain cells. Strokes frequently result in permanent disability such as weakness or paralysis of an arm or leg, loss of ability to speak, and/or impairment of memory or thought processes.
How does radiation therapy affect the Carotid Artery?
In some patients treated for head and neck cancer with radiation therapy, the thickness of the wall of the carotid artery may increase and atherosclerosis of the carotid artery can be accelerated, resulting in radiation-induced carotid artery stenosis. Other risk factors for carotid artery stenosis such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are believed to increase the likelihood of developing radiation-induced carotid artery stenosis.
Approximately 15% of head and neck cancer survivors treated with radiation therapy develop carotid artery stenosis of 50% or more five years after their cancer treatment. However, treatment for carotid stenosis is not usually required unless there is high-grade stenosis that decreases blood flow by at least 70%. The likelihood of a TIA or stroke after radiation therapy is approximately 10% in patients less than 60 years of age, whereas the risk of TIA or stroke is greater than 30% in individuals older than 75.
Can you decrease your risk of a stroke or a TIA?
Absolutely! You can lower your risk of stroke by eating a healthy diet, exercising, limiting alcohol intake, and by quitting smoking. Annual check-ups with your primary care doctor are also important to diagnose or treat medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, irregular heartbeat or elevated cholesterol.
How do I know if I have Carotid Artery Stenosis that requires treatment?
Ask your health care provider to request a non-invasive Carotid Artery duplex scan which uses two different types of ultrasound. This test will provide you with an accurate assessment of the blood flow through your carotid arteries, essential information that empowers you to consider lifestyle changes and medical interventions which can maximize your well-being and minimize your future risk of an adverse event.