Overview

Carotid stenosis is narrowing of one or both of the carotid arteries. These arteries take blood from the heart to the brain. There is one on each side of the neck.

Carotid artery stenosis is caused by a process called hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. A substance called plaque builds up inside the carotid arteries. Things that can lead to plaque include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. This plaque may limit blood flow to your brain. If plaque breaks open, it may form a blood clot. Or pieces of the plaque may break off. A piece of plaque or a blood clot could move to the brain, causing a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

The goal of treatment is to lower your risk of having a stroke or TIA. You can lower your risk by having a heart-healthy lifestyle and taking medicine. Sometimes a surgery or procedure is also done.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You may take medicine to lower your blood pressure, to lower your cholesterol, or to prevent blood clots.
• If you take a blood thinner, such as aspirin, be sure to get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.
• Try to quit smoking. If you can't quit, cut back as much as you can. People who smoke have a higher chance of stroke than those who quit. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Eat heart-healthy foods. These foods include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. You limit things that are not so good for your heart, like sodium, alcohol, and sugar.
• Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. Talk to your doctor if you need help with this.
• Be active. Ask your doctor what type and level of exercise is safe for you.
• If you drink alcohol, try to drink less. Your risk of harm from alcohol is low if you have 2 drinks or less per week. Work with your doctor to find what is right for you.
• Manage other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.
• Avoid infections such as COVID-19, colds, and influenza (flu). Get the flu vaccine every year. Get a pneumococcal vaccine. If you have had one before, ask your doctor whether you need another dose. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.