What is Carotid Artery Disease?
The carotid arteries are the main arteries that supply blood to the brain. As you age, plaque builds up in the artery on one or both sides causing it to narrow. Small blood clots or pieces of these plaques can form, then break off and travel to the brain. These clots or plaques can potentially clog critical blood supply to the brain, causing a stroke. Because of this, Carotid Artery disease is responsible for up to one-third of all strokes because the blood supply to the brain is greatly reduced or suddenly interrupted.