When you hear the word “carotid artery,” you probably think of blood flowing smoothly through your neck. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Carotid artery blockages can lead to serious health complications. This blog article will discuss life expectancy with a blocked carotid artery and what you should know about it. From symptoms to treatment options, read on to learn everything you need to know to protect your health.
What is a blocked carotid artery?
A blocked carotid artery is a common condition in which blood flow to the brain is restricted due to an obstruction in one or more of the carotid arteries. When this occurs, it can cause several serious problems, including stroke. According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 100,000 people suffer from a blocked carotid artery each year in the United States.
Types of carotid artery blockages
A few different types of carotid artery blockages can affect your life expectancy. The most common type is atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm. This may cause arteries to become narrow and reduce blood flow to your brain. Other common types of carotid artery blockages include:
1) A thrombus – a piece of blood, fat, or cholesterol that has formed in the artery and is blocking the flow of blood
2) A stenosis – an enlarged or narrowing of the artery
Symptoms of a blocked carotid artery
Symptoms of a blocked carotid artery may include:
1. Sudden decrease in blood flow to the head or face
2. Vision changes, including blurred or loss of vision
3. inability to speak clearly or move your neck or face easily
4. Pale skin on the face, neck, and upper chest
5. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
How to unblock a carotid artery
There are many possible causes of a blocked carotid artery, but stroke is the most common. If the blockage is small, it can often be cleared by manual removal with a finger. However, if the blockage is larger, surgery may be required to get it out. In either case, prompt treatment is essential to prevent serious damage to the brain and subsequent death.
Life expectancy after a carotid artery blockage
In this blog post we learned about life expectancy with blocked carotid artery. Now have a look on life expectancy after blocked carotid artery. Your life expectancy is drastically reduced if you have a carotid artery blockage. The longer the blockage is left untreated, the more severe the damage to your heart and brain. Even if you are treated right away with a carotid artery stent, your life expectancy may be shortened by up to 30 percent.
