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Carotid Injury Research Paper

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Introduction
The carotid arteries are the two main arteries on either side of the neck. They supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease, also called carotid artery stenosis, is the narrowing or blockage of one or both carotid arteries. Carotid artery disease increases your risk for a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA is an episode in which a waxy, fatty substance that accumulates within the artery (plaque) blocks blood flow to the brain. A TIA is considered a "warning stroke."
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by:
Buildup of plaque inside the carotid arteries (atherosclerosis) (common).
A weakened outpouching in an artery (aneurysm).
Inflammation of the carotid artery (arteritis).
A fibrous growth within …show more content…

Decreased blood flow due to spasms of the carotid artery (vasospasm).
Separation of the walls of the carotid artery (carotid dissection).
What increases the risk?
The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:
High cholesterol (dyslipidemia).
High blood pressure (hypertension).
Smoking.
Obesity.
Diabetes.
Family history of cardiovascular disease.
Inactivity or lack of regular exercise.
Being male. Men have an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis earlier in life than women.
What are the signs or symptoms?
There are no symptoms of this condition.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed by:
A physical exam. Your health care provider may hear an abnormal sound (bruit) when listening to the carotid arteries.
Specific tests that look at the blood flow in the carotid arteries. These tests include:
Carotid artery ultrasonography.
Carotid or cerebral angiography.
Computerized tomographic angiography (CTA).
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).
How is this …show more content…

Adjusting your diet.
Surgery. You may have:
A carotid endarterectomy. This is a surgery to remove the blockages in the carotid arteries.
A carotid angioplasty with stenting. This is a nonsurgical interventional procedure. A wire mesh (stent) is used to widen the blocked carotid arteries.
Follow these instructions at home:
Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider. Make sure you understand all your medicine instructions. Do not stop your medicines without talking to your health care provider.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Stay physically active. It is recommended that you get at least 30 minutes of activity every day.
Do not use any tobacco products including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or electronic cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
Limit alcohol use to:
No more than 2 drinks per day for men.
No more than 1 drink per day for nonpregnant women.
Do not use illegal drugs.
Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your health care provider.
Eating and

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