Life Expectancy with Blocked Carotid Artery: How to Increase the Odds of Survival?

The carotid arteries become more constricted as a result of carotid artery disease, which is also referred to as carotid artery stenosis. Blockage in the carotid arteries may be caused by fatty cells, cholesterol deposits, and plaque formation. slender and with a narrow waist. Carotid artery occlusion is another word that refers to this medical issue. This ailment creates a total obstruction in the carotid artery, which is a prominent kind of artery. When the carotid arteries get clogged, this results in a stroke, which may be the leading cause of death for anybody.

Let’s talk about carotid artery disease before you go looking for an answer for life expectancy with blocked carotid artery.

Carotid Artery

The carotid arteries are the vessels in the human body that are responsible for providing blood to the head. On each side of the neck, there are two different kinds of carotid arteries. The first carotid artery is called the external carotid artery, while the second carotid artery is called the internal carotid artery. The blood supply to the head, face, and neck comes from the external carotid artery, whereas the blood supply to the brain comes from the internal carotid artery.

What Happens When the Carotid Artery Gets Blocked?

A reduction in the blood flow to the brain might result from the internal carotid artery being narrower or being blocked in any other way. This causes the hardening in the blood and also leads to the creation of plaque. Atherosclerosis is the term for this constriction that happens as a result of plaque buildup in the blood arteries.

Plaque is a waxy, squishy, and greasy material that gathers cholesterol and triglycerides, which, with time, continue to become more rigid and calcified. Plaque also collects dead cells, which may cause inflammation and infection. It is possible that increased blood pressure and the point at which blood turbulence begins to irritate the inner lining of the artery are responsible for this condition. This disruption in the lining may sometimes take place at the point where the internal carotid artery splits off from the external carotid artery.

Does a Blockage in the Carotid Artery Cause Stroke?

As the carotid artery starts to constrict more, the pressure inside the arteries, most significantly the carotid artery behind, begins to increase. It’s possible that this will lead to the development of plaque, which may then rupture and lead to the creation of blood clots. The condition known as occlude describes what happens when a substantial clot totally blocks the vessel. There is also the possibility that fragments of the plaque may move and enter the smaller blood arteries, blocking blood flow to various sections of the brain and other organs of the body.

When this disease does occur, it may put a person at risk for having a stroke or a TIA (transient ischemic attack). This may also have an effect on the patient’s physical state, generating exhaustion as well as other typical symptoms that are identical to those of any other prevalent illness.

It is, however, pertinent to note that the narrowing of the carotid artery does not cause any symptoms on its own that could be visible to the eyes.

Carotid Surgery or Stenting

Carotid Surgery or Stenting
Source: semanticscholar.com

Every year, preventative treatment is administered to as many as 100,000 patients in the United States and many more people around the globe who have to narrow in their carotid arteries. This is done in an effort to lower the chance of a deadly stroke. A carotid endarterectomy is a surgical operation that removes plaque that has built up in the artery of the neck.

Carotid artery stenting is a technique that was developed in the 1990s as a less invasive alternative to carotid endarterectomy. This procedure includes the insertion of a wire mesh that expands the artery in order to enhance blood flow.

Risk Factors Linked with the Carotid Artery Disease

The symptoms that may have developed inside your body are what will determine how long you may expect to live with a blocked carotid artery. The carotid artery has been linked to the development of several risk factors, some of which are also associated with the development of other prevalent heart illnesses. The following are some of the potential risk factors:

  • Smoking and the extent of smoking level
  • Having a Sedentary lifestyle
  • Obesity
  • Insulin resistance
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Family history of any heart disease
  • Family history of carotid artery disease
  • Diabetes
  • Age factor
  • Abnormal lipids profile
  • High cholesterol level

What Causes Carotid Artery Disease?

People ask questions regarding life expectancy with blocked carotid artery, but they don’t always grasp why and when diseases like that might arise within your body without causing any outwardly visible or tangible signs or symptoms.

As we discussed earlier, the carotid artery is responsible for delivering blood to the brain as well as other regions of the body, including the neck. Atherosclerosis is a term that refers to the “hardening of the arteries” that may occur as a result of diseases that affect the carotid artery.

The accumulation of fatty substances leads to a rise in blood pressure over time, and excessive cholesterol levels may cause the carotid arteries to become more constricted. This may lead to the production of plaque, which can then result in a reduction in blood pressure. A lower blood pressure results in diminished blood flow to the brain as well as the other organs of the body. This results in a stroke, which is sometimes referred to as a “brain attack”.

The Bottom Line

If your carotid artery is clogged, the best way to increase your life expectancy is to start living a healthier lifestyle. Assume that you are already aware that the consumption of processed, greasy, heavy, and fatty foods has an impact on your nerves, brain, and even the blood vessels in your heart.

If this is the case, then increasing your odds of survival will probably allow you to lessen the likelihood of needing further medicated pills. Take the prescribed medication and be sure you follow the directions exactly. You should join any rehabilitation center where you may discuss the problems that are occurring with you, add exercise to your daily routine, and make a program for yourself along with a proper food plan.