Carotid artery stenting is a minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed carotid arteries, which are located on either side of your neck and supply blood to your brain. Narrowing of these arteries due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of stroke. At Vista Health, we are committed to educating our patients about their health and providing the latest treatments to help manage carotid artery disease.

What is Carotid Artery Stenting?

Carotid artery stenting is a procedure designed to treat carotid artery disease by placing a small, mesh-like tube called a stent inside the artery. This stent helps keep the artery open, ensuring proper blood flow to the brain and reducing the risk of stroke. It’s typically recommended for patients who are at high risk for complications from traditional carotid artery surgery, known as a carotid endarterectomy.

Common Questions About Carotid Artery Stenting

1. What are the symptoms of carotid artery disease? Carotid artery disease can be asymptomatic in its early stages, but as the condition worsens, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a “mini-stroke,” a TIA causes temporary symptoms such as slurred speech, weakness in one part of the body, or loss of vision in one eye.

• Stroke: A full-blown stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is completely blocked, leading to more severe symptoms like sudden numbness, confusion, dizziness, or difficulty walking.

• Carotid Bruit: Sometimes a healthcare provider may detect a whooshing sound (bruit) in the neck, which may indicate narrowing of the carotid artery.

Many people search for terms like “What are the signs of a mini-stroke?” or “How do I know if I’m at risk for a stroke?”—which could point to carotid artery disease.

2. How does carotid artery stenting work? Carotid artery stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a stent to open the narrowed artery. Here’s what happens during the procedure:

• A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in your groin or arm and guided to the carotid artery.

• A balloon is inflated to widen the artery, and the stent is placed to keep it open.

• The stent remains in place permanently to prevent the artery from narrowing again.

Causes of Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease is caused by the buildup of plaque—a mixture of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances—on the artery walls. Over time, this plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain.

Factors that contribute to plaque buildup include:

• High Cholesterol: Excess cholesterol in the blood can lead to plaque formation.

• High Blood Pressure: This can damage the walls of the arteries, making it easier for plaque to accumulate.

• Smoking: Smoking damages the lining of your arteries, making it more likely for plaque to build up.

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can also contribute to artery damage.

When to Consider Carotid Artery Stenting

Carotid artery stenting is typically recommended if:

• You’ve experienced a TIA or minor stroke and your carotid artery is significantly narrowed.

• You have severe carotid artery stenosis (narrowing) but are at high risk for surgery due to other health conditions.

• Traditional surgery (carotid endarterectomy) poses a higher risk for complications.

Recovery After Carotid Artery Stenting

After the procedure, most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days. You will likely be prescribed antiplatelet medications such as aspirin or clopidogrel to help prevent blood clots from forming in the stent. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to ensure the stent is functioning properly.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Future Issues

While stenting helps improve blood flow to the brain, it’s important to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle to prevent further artery blockage. This includes:

• Eating a balanced diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while avoiding high-fat, high-sugar foods.

• Exercising regularly: Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and keeps your blood vessels functioning properly.

• Quitting smoking: Smoking is a major contributor to carotid artery disease and increases the risk of complications.

• Managing blood pressure and cholesterol: Take medications as prescribed and monitor your levels regularly.

When to Visit Vista Health

If you have any concerns about carotid artery disease or are experiencing symptoms such as TIA or stroke, it’s essential to seek medical care as soon as possible. Early intervention with carotid artery stenting can help prevent serious complications and improve your quality of life.

Call Vista Health today at (928) 237-4418 to schedule a consultation and discuss your treatment options. Our experienced cardiovascular team, led by Dr. Irfan Mirza (Nevada) , is here to provide the highest standard of care and guide you toward better health.