Carotidstenosis is a condition where the carotid artery is narrowed and restricts blood flow to the brain. This can lead to a mini stroke or a stroke.

What can cause you to have narrowed Carotid Arteries?
High blood pressure, diabetes, and other health problems can cause a fatty substance called plaque to build up on the inside of the artery walls. Smoking and/or a fatty diet can contribute to this.

What does this do to your carotid artery pathway?
If there is enough plaque buildup it can make the walls of the artery rough. This can cause blood clots to form or tiny blood clots, and bits of plaque can break off and travel though the carotid artery. These are called Emboli. The emboli can enter the smaller vessels in your brain. If the emboli are big enough, this can cause a block of blood flow to the brain which can cause a stroke.

What if surgery is necessary?
If surgery is necessary, you will undergo a carotid endarterectomy. This surgery removes plaque, reopening and smoothing out your carotid artery. This reduces the chances of emboli forming in the artery.