Carotid Artery Disease

Overview

Carotid artery disease occurs when a substance (plaques) builds up in one of the arteries located on each side of your neck (carotid arteries) and limits or blocks the blood supply to your brain. Buildup of plaques in your arteries (atherosclerosis) causes hardened and narrowed arteries, which may restrict blood flow through your body. Carotid artery disease can lead to a stroke or ministroke (transient ischemic attack, or TIA).

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Expertise and experience. Mayo Clinic doctors and surgeons evaluate and treat hundreds of people who have carotid artery disease each year, and perform complex surgeries. Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota are certified as primary stroke centers by The Joint Commission, a national organization that evaluates and accredits health care providers.
• Team approach. At Mayo Clinic, doctors trained in heart and blood vessel conditions (cardiologists), blood vessel surgery (vascular and endovascular surgeons), brain conditions (neurologists), brain surgery (neurosurgeons), imaging techniques (radiologists) and other specialties work as a team to diagnose people who have carotid artery disease and determine the most appropriate treatment.
• Efficient system. Mayo Clinic doctors often can diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan within a few days.
• Technology. Mayo Clinic doctors use the most current technology in diagnostic tests and treatment for carotid artery disease.
• Research. Mayo Clinic doctors actively research new and improved carotid artery disease treatment and conduct clinical trials.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery and for heart and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals in neurology and neurosurgery and for heart and heart surgery.

Read more about carotid artery disease at MayoClinic.com.