If your arteries are prone to narrowing, you will develop heart problems that cause stroke and eventually lead to death. Fortunately, you can prevent a stroke with carotid stenting, which improves proper blood circulation and oxygen to the brain. However, it would be best to look for an Evergreen Park carotid stenting expert who is knowledgeable on the treatment. Here is why you should undergo carotid stenting.
What is Carotid Stenting?
Carotid stenting and angioplasty is a procedure that improves blood flow in the main arteries reducing the risks of strokes. It also improves blood oxygenation and supplies blood to vital organs like the eyes, skull, spine, and brain. The procedure is performed on the carotid artery, where a thin tube with balloon-like structures attaches to its end, thus opening up the thin arteries.
The carotid artery sends oxygenated blood to the brain, and the narrowing of the arteries leads to a carotid artery stenosis condition, which results in less blood supply to the brain. Reduced blood supply to the brain reduces brain functions and could lead to a stroke.
Why You Should Undergo the Procedure
Carotid stenting reduces the risk of stroke as it opens the artery that supplies oxygenated blood to the brain. Lack of oxygen can reduce brain function leading to other health complications. Again, it increases vision as the artery supplies blood to the eyes. Again it might improve the spinal functions as the brain directly communicated with the rest of the body via the nerves on the spinal cord.
The carotid stenting procedure is minimally invasive and would not leave visible scar marks on the part where the tube is connected directly to the artery. Your doctor will gently slide the thin tube into the carotid artery around the neck, and you will not feel pain. When the tube reaches the portion of the artery narrowed down, the balloon at the end of its tip will inflate, thus opening the arteries.
What Causes Carotid Artery Stenosis?
A blood clot might block the carotid artery leading to a reduced blood supply to the brain, leading to strokes and other health complications such as loss of neurologic functions. If the blood clot travels to the brain, it blocks blood supply completely, thus causing a stroke. If the carotid artery stenosis is mild, the doctor might recommend medications that reduce stroke risks.
You might be at risk of carotid artery stenosis if you have an infection, heavy bleeding artery injury, kidney damage, mild stroke, heart attack, and allergic reaction to contrast material. Again, sudden vessel closure, low blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and return of blockage might lead to the condition. Your primary caregiver might catch these symptoms at the initial stages and help you overcome the condition by referring to expert treatment.
Final Thoughts
Carotid artery stenosis can be scary as it leads to a reduced blood supply to the brain leading to life-altering conditions such as strokes, heart attack, and vision loss. Fortunately, you can correct the condition with a carotid stenting procedure that opens narrowed carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain. Carotid stenting is minimally invasive and can greatly improve your health.
