Carotid disease is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Plaque is a mass of cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue and, other cell debris that accumulates at microscopic sites of damage in the arteries. This process is called atherosclerosis.

 The plaque-filled carotid artery is hard and thin. A blocked carotid artery has problems supplying oxygen and nutrients to important brain structures involved in daily functioning.

 Risk factors

 Factors that increase the risk of carotid disease include:

 High blood pressure. Excessive pressure on the artery wall weakens it and makes it more vulnerable to damage. Tobacco use. Nicotine can irritate the inner layers of the arteries. Smoking also raises heart rate and blood pressure. Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the ability to process fat efficiently and increases the risk of high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. High blood lipid levels. High levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high levels of blood fat, and triglycerides, promote plaque accumulation. family history. If a relative has atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease, the risk of carotid artery disease is high. Year. Arteries become less flexible and tend to be injured with age. obesity. Obesity increases the likelihood of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. Sleep apnea Nocturnal apnea attacks can increase the risk of stroke. Lack of exercise. It can cause arterial damage, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. complications

 The carotid disease causes about 10 to 20 percent of strokes. A stroke is an emergency medical treatment that can cause permanent brain damage and weakness. In severe cases, the paralysis can be fatal.

 Carotid artery disease can cause stroke for the following reasons:

 Decreased blood flow. Due to atherosclerosis, the carotid arteries become too narrow, and not enough blood can reach parts of the brain.

An exploding plaque. A piece of plaque can break off and drain into smaller arteries in your brain. A piece of plaque can get stuck in one of these small arteries, creating a blockage that cuts off blood flow to part of your heart.

Blood clot obstruction. Some plaques are prone to cracking and creating irregular surfaces in the artery wall. Your body responds to an injury and sends blood cells to the area that aid in the clotting process. The result can be a large blood clot that blocks or delays blood flow to the brain and causes a stroke. 

 Consider the following suggestions to prevent or slow the progression of carotid disease.

 Smoking. Within a few years of quitting, a former smoker has the same risk of having a stroke as a non-smoker. Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight contributes to other risk factors such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Limit cholesterol and fat. Reducing saturated fat, in particular, can reduce plaque buildup in your arteries. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. They contain nutrients like potassium, folate, and antioxidants that may protect against a TIA or stroke.