CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE
Advanced Treatment for Carotid Artery Disease in Dallas
Stroke Prevention for patients in the DFW area.
Carotid artery disease occurs when the main arteries in your neck, which supply blood to your brain, become narrowed or blocked by a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, restricts vital blood flow and is a leading cause of stroke.
At Advantage Vascular, we utilize advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to identify and manage these blockages before they lead to a medical emergency.
What Are The Symptoms of Carotid Artery Disease?
In its early stages, carotid artery disease is often a silent condition, showing no outward signs until an artery is severely narrowed or a blood clot forms. Many residents in North Dallas and Frisco may not even realize they are at risk until they experience a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), often referred to as a mini-stroke.
Warning signs of a stroke or TIA include:
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, typically appearing on one side of the body.
Difficulty speaking or sudden confusion and trouble understanding others.
Sudden vision changes, such as blurred vision or a complete loss of sight in one eye.
Severe dizziness, or a sudden loss of balance and coordination.
If you experience one or more of the above warning signs, call 911 for immediate medical treatment.
The development of plaque is a gradual process often influenced by genetic factors and common lifestyle conditions including:
Atherosclerosis: Buildup of plaque that narrows the vessels and restricts blood flow to the brain.
High Blood Pressure: Excess pressure weakens arterial walls, making them more susceptible to damage.
Diabetes: High glucose levels increase the rate of plaque accumulation and inflammation.
High Cholesterol: Elevated bad cholesterol (LDL) provides the raw material for plaque buildup.
Smoking: Tobacco use irritates the heart and blood vessels, accelerating atherosclerosis.
Age and Family History: Risk naturally increases as we age or if vascular disease runs in the family.
What Are The Causes and Risk Factors?
How is Carotid Artery Disease Treated?
How is Carotid Artery Disease Diagnosed?
Identifying carotid artery disease early is critical for stroke prevention. At our North Dallas clinic, we use high-precision, non-invasive diagnostic tools:
Carotid Ultrasound: Our primary screening tool, which uses sound waves to visualize blood flow and measure the degree of narrowing in real-time.
MRI & CT Angiography (CTA): A detailed scan that provides 3D images of your vascular structure to pinpoint the exact location of blockages.
If a significant blockage is detected, intervention is necessary to restore blood flow and protect your brain health.
In more serious cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the blockage and reduce the risk of stroke.
Advantage Vascular offers two outpatient procedures to treat carotid artery disease:
Carotid Endarterectomy
Carotid Artery Stenting (endovascular repair).
Carotid Endarterectomy
Carotid endarterectomy is the treatment most recommended when a patient is presenting severe carotid artery disease – with or without symptoms of impending stroke. During the procedure, the blockage in the carotid artery is removed via an incision in the neck. This procedure has a high success rate and typically only requires a one-night hospital stay.
Carotid Artery Stenting (Endovascular Repair)
Endovascular repair, also known as carotid artery stenting, is recommended for patients who are high risk for surgery, had previous neck surgery or have undergone radiation therapy. It is a minimally invasive procedure where a catheter is inserted in the femoral artery to compress the blockage and place a stent to strengthen the artery.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, but it is a major cause of stroke. The disease refers to the narrowing of the arteries; a stroke occurs when that narrowing completely blocks blood flow or a piece of plaque breaks off and travels to the brain.
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While you may not be able to fully "erase" existing plaque, healthy changes—such as managing blood pressure and quitting smoking—can significantly slow the progression and lower your stroke risk.
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If you have multiple risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, our Frisco area specialists recommend a baseline ultrasound to establish your current vascular health.
Don't let carotid artery disease or chronic pain dictate your quality of life.
At Advantage Vascular, our North Dallas specialists are dedicated to providing the minimally invasive care you deserve close to home. Interested in scheduling a consultation? Call our North Dallas office at (972)483-5714 or use our online appointment request form.