Carotid Artery blockage by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

The brain receives blood which carries nutrients and oxygen from four main arteries: the right carotid, left carotid, right vertebral and left vertebral arteries. The carotid arteries travel between the heart and the brain in the front of the neck.

Carotid artery disease
Carotid artery disease can be caused by fatty deposits called plaque severely narrowing the carotid arteries; by a blood clot becoming wedged in a carotid artery narrowed by plaque; or by plaque breaking off from the carotid arteries and blocking a smaller artery in the brain (cerebral artery).

Cause of carotid artery blockage
High blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease are additional causes. Smoking is a major cause of atherosclerosis in the carotid artery. Dental and periodontal disease are significantly associated with progression of carotid atherosclerosis. Stroke 2006:37:2271-2276.