Carotid Artery Blockage Is a Scary Situation
Carotid Artery Blockage is a condition characterized by the narrowing of carotid arteries. This can increase the risk factors for developing heart disease and stroke, which is one of the leading causes of death.
It is without doubt, a scary condition best avoided. Also known as carotid artery stenosis, blockage of the carotid artery is primarily caused by the build-up of cholesterol and fatty deposits on the arterial walls – deposits commonly known as plaque.
These are two of the most important blood vessels in the cardiovascular system. These two large arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the frontal part of the brain. This large area of the brain is responsible for speech, think, sensory, personality and motor functions. Because these two arteries serve a very important function, problems in the carotid are best avoided.
Carotid Artery Disease Can Happen
Just like all the arteries in the body, it can also harden due to arterial plaque deposits. Over time, build-up of fatty substances, cholesterol, calcium, fibrin and other components in the blood can narrow down the carotid arteries. This building up can decrease the blood flow to the brain, which puts one at risk for developing a stroke.
The type of stroke which it can cause is oftentimes termed as "brain attack." When the vessels of the carotid are blocked, the blood flow into the front part of the brain is cut off. When the blood flow is halted for more than 3 to up to 6 hours, the damage to the brain is almost always permanent.
Symptoms of Carotid Artery Blockage
It is a serious medical condition. In fact, the blockage may exist for years on end before symptoms start to develop. Symptoms are usually subtle, and in most cases, the symptoms exhibit in the form of paralysis or "brain attack." Symptoms can include:
- Simply hissing sound
- Severe headache
- Temporary loss of hearing or vision (sometimes both)
- Sudden loss in motor coordination
- Temporary numbness usually on one side of the face, leg or arm
- Sudden difficulty in thinking, speaking and understanding
Most of these symptoms of carotid artery blockage are also symptoms of transient ischemic attack that is the absolute determinant of a complete carotid artery blockage.
The Seriousness of Carotid Artery Disease
If any of the symptoms of blockage are experienced, the patient should seek medical help immediately before the condition worsens. This disease can instantly manifest itself in the form of paralysis or stroke, in ways that are oftentimes irreparable.
Treatment of Artery Blockage
The treatment of carotid artery blockage would depend on the symptoms presented and the severity of the blockage. For cases caught early on where the level of blockage is yet to be damaging, medications and blood thinners are usually enough for a patient to get by. For more severe cases, however, more invasive procedures to remove the blockage (heart by-pass surgery or angioplasty) may be recommended.
Make sure to consult with your doctor immediately if you suspect carotid artery blockage. Better yet, talk to your doctor now about getting on a heart-health diet and exercise program, before you have any problems, because prevention is often the best medicine.
And remember that pure fish oil supplements can be part of a good overall diet and exercise program to support a healthy heart and veins and blood flow. Talk to your doctor and also read the latest news about fish oil, and you will see why it is so popular nowadays.
Susan Goodwin writes about fish oil health benefits at http://www.pureconcentratedfishoil.com where you can get a free report about fish oil and heart health. Be sure to choose a pure concentrated fish oil supplement that will provide you and your heart all the health benefits possible.
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