As all we know, there is a strong connection between cholesterol and heart health, but have you ever heard of the secondary connection between high cholesterol and your brain health? One of the major reasons behind the increased cholesterol levels is carotid artery disease, a condition which results in strokes and other serious complications. Further, let’s dive deeper into this blog to explore how high cholesterol contributes to carotid artery disease and its risk factors and get some bonus tips to protect yourself from this condition.
Table of Contents
What is carotid artery disease?
The primary blood vessels that supply the brain with oxygen-rich blood are the carotid arteries. They have a major impact on brain function and run on both sides of your neck. Atherosclerosis, or plaque accumulation, causes these arteries to thin or become blocked, leading to carotid artery disease (CAD). This obstruction will reduce the blood flow to the brain and at times it may lead to strokes.
What’s the role of high cholesterol in carotid artery disease?
As we know, cholesterol is a fatty substance crucial for the body’s cellular functions, but when its levels are very high, it becomes dangerous. Get treatment from a vascular specialist in Coimbatore if you have uncontrolled cholesterol levels. Further, let’s see a quick guide about how high cholesterol contributes to carotid artery disease:
- Plaque formation: More LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also known as ‘bad cholesterol’ will be deposited in the inner walls of the carotid arteries.
- Artery narrowing: After some time, those deposits will be rigid and form into plaques, narrowing the arteries and restricting the blood flow.
- Low blood supply to the brain: A transient ischemic attack (TIA) or full-blown stroke is more likely when the carotid arteries narrow because less oxygenated blood will eventually reach the brain.
- Plaque rupture: In case plaque breaks open, it will trigger the formation of blood clots, which travel to the brain and cause blockage, resulting in a stroke.
What are the symptoms of carotid artery disease?
Everyone will experience Carotid artery blockage symptoms in different ways. Typically, in the initial stage, carotid artery disease will often remain unnoticed because it doesn’t cause clear symptoms. Only when the condition starts to progress, warning signs will arise, like:
- Unexplained weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs (on one side of the body)
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Vision-related issues in one or both eyes
- Loss of balance or dizziness
- Intense headache with no known cause
Whenever experiencing any of these symptoms in no time, consider getting immediate medical attention because it can indicate a stroke or TIA. Visit the best carotid artery treatment in Coimbatore for better results.
How to diagnose carotid artery disease?
As mentioned above, carotid artery disease will remain silent until a major event like a stroke occurs, so timely detection is crucial. Healthcare professionals will use many diagnostic tools to assess the condition, like:
- Carotid ultrasound: This is a non-invasive test that checks for plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries.
- CT Angiography (CTA) or MR Angiography (MRA): These imaging tests will offer a complete picture of the arteries.
- Carotid angiogram: This is a specialized test that employs contrast dye to highlight the artery blockages.
- Listening for bruits: Using a stethoscope, doctors will listen for unusual sounds in the carotid arteries, indicating turbulent blood flow.
How to prevent and manage carotid artery disease?
Fortunately, carotid artery diseases are preventable and even can be effectively managed with lifestyle modifications and medical interventions. Further, let’s see what you can do:
Consume a heart-healthy diet:
- Avoid eating saturated and trans fats found in fried foods, processed snacks, and red meats.
- Eat more fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Opt for healthy fats from nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocados.
- Reduce salt and sugar intake to manage blood pressure and any types of cholesterol.
Exercise regularly:
- Try to exercise at least 150 hours a week like walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Further, strength training can also assist in improving your cardiovascular health.
- You can start with small changes such as choosing stairs instead of using lifts, even it will make a big difference.
Maintain healthy cholesterol levels:
- Try to maintain your LDL (bad cholesterol) low and (HDL) good cholesterol high by following a healthy diet, exercise, and medication if needed.
- Frequent check-ups with a healthcare provider will assist in monitoring your cholesterol levels.
- Eating a well balanced cholesterol diet can be effective.
Quit smoking:
- Smoking will completely damage your arteries and surges the risk of plaque buildup.
- In such cases, you should consider reaching out to support groups, nicotine, replacement therapy, or professional guidance to quit.
Control blood pressure and diabetes:
- Frequently check your blood pressure and take prescribed medications if required.
- Maintain your blood sugar levels by concentrating on your diet, exercise, and medication.
Final thoughts:
In conclusion, we can say that high cholesterol remains a primary risk factor for carotid artery disease, which may result in strokes and other severe complications. Also, through lifestyle changes, frequent screenings, and proper medical interventions, you can significantly reduce your risk. By staying informed about cholesterol management and cardiovascular health, you can keep your arteries clear and your brain stays well-nourished.
In case you are worried about your cholesterol levels or risk of carotid artery disease, reach out to the doctor to get personalized advice. Simply, prioritizing your heart and vascular health today can make a huge difference in your future well-being.