Carotid stenosis (stenosis = narrowing) is the narrowing of carotid arteries in the neck. Carotid arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to a large part of the brain. Gradual narrowing of these arteries causes decrease blood flow to the brain leading to stroke. There are no community based studies describing the incidence and prevalence of carotid artery disease in India. The increasing prevalence of heart disease, diabetes and other risk factors such as obesity only indicates that the incidence of carotid stenosis in India is on the rise.
Hence it is important for family doctors and people to be aware of this condition and seek appropriate treatment. What is carotid stenosis? Progressive narrowing of carotid arteries in the neck occurs due to the formation of plaque consisting of fat, cholesterol and calcium. Over time, this plaque gradually prevents adequate amount of blood going to the…
