Carotid Artery Disease


Carotid artery disease is a condition where the carotid arteries, the major blood vessels in your neck that supply blood to your brain, become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup).
This narrowing restricts blood flow to the brain and increases the risk of stroke—a life-threatening event that can lead to permanent disability or death.

Did You Know? Estimates suggest that between 7% and 30% of strokes are caused by carotid artery disease, making it a significant contributor to this condition.*1
The condition typically develops over time as fatty deposits, calcium, and other substances form plaques on the walls of the arteries. This process, known as atherosclerosis, can worsen due to:
- High blood pressure: Puts extra strain on artery walls.
- Smoking: Speeds up plaque buildup and damages blood vessels.
- Diabetes: Makes arteries more prone to narrowing.
- High cholesterol: Increases the amount of plaque in the arteries.
- Family history: Genetic predisposition to vascular disease.
Over time, the plaques can grow, causing a critical reduction in blood flow or even a rupture, leading to a stroke.
Fact: Approximately 1 in 7 Australians will experience a stroke in their lifetime, with carotid artery disease responsible for about 20% of ischemic strokes.*2
Certain factors increase your likelihood of developing carotid artery disease: – Individuals aged 55 and older are more prone due to natural arterial wear and tear. *3
- Smokers have twice the risk of developing significant plaque buildup. *4
- Those with conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension are at greater risk.
- A family history of vascular diseases increases susceptibility.
Interesting Fact: Early lifestyle changes can reduce your risk by up to 30%, even if you have a family history of the disease.*5
Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial to prevent strokes. Common diagnostic tools include:
- Doppler Ultrasound: A non-invasive test to assess blood flow and detect blockages in the carotid arteries.
- CT Scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the brain and arteries to identify potential risks.
- MRI: Offers high-resolution imaging of soft tissues, making it effective for spotting abnormalities.
- Angiography: Involves injecting dye into the arteries to visualize blood flow and identify blockages.
Accessible Diagnostics: Advanced imaging services for carotid artery disease are available at Gregory Hills, Wollongong, and Orange. Bulk-billed options ensure affordability.*6
Treatment depends on the severity of the blockage and the patient’s overall health. Options include:
Lifestyle Modifications
- Quit smoking to slow the progression of plaque buildup.
- Manage high blood pressure with a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication.
- Lower cholesterol levels through diet and statins.
- Maintain a healthy weight and manage diabetes.
Medications
- Antiplatelet Drugs: Medications like aspirin help reduce the risk of clots forming in narrowed arteries.
- Statins: Lower cholesterol levels and reduce arterial inflammation.
- Blood Pressure Medications: Keep arteries healthy by reducing stress on arterial walls.
Surgical Interventions
- Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA): A surgical procedure where plaque is physically removed from the carotid artery.
- Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS): A minimally invasive technique where a stent is placed to widen the artery and restore blood flow.

Outcomes Comparison
Treatment Type | Risk Reduction | Invasiveness |
---|---|---|
Lifestyle Changes | Moderate | Non-invasive |
Medications | Significant | Non-invasive |
Carotid Endarterectomy | High | Invasive Surgery |
Carotid Stenting | High | Minimally Invasive |
Innovative approaches are improving the diagnosis and treatment of carotid artery disease:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI tools are being used to predict stroke risk and tailor treatment plans for individual patients.
- Drug-Eluting Stents: These stents release medication to prevent re-narrowing of the artery.
- Advanced Imaging Technologies: New techniques allow for earlier detection of even mild arterial narrowing, giving doctors more time to intervene.
News Hook: Australian researchers recently developed an AI model that predicts stroke risk in patients with carotid artery disease, potentially reducing stroke-related deaths by 20%.*7
Protect Your Brain, Protect Your Life: If you’re over 55, have high blood pressure, or a family history of vascular disease, it’s time to prioritize your vascular health.
Book Your Consultation Today: Advanced diagnostic imaging and treatment options for carotid artery disease are available at Gregory Hills, Wollongong, and Orange. Contact Dr. Jason Toniolo’s clinic or visit his website for more information.
Your Health, Your Future: “Carotid artery disease is a silent threat, but with early detection and the right treatment, we can prevent strokes and save lives,” says Dr. Jason Toniolo. Don’t wait—act now!
Sources:
- Stroke Caused by Extracranial Disease |AHAJournals
- Future Burden of Ischemic Stroke in Australia: Impact on Health Outcomes between 2019 and 2038|PMC
- Early-Onset Carotid Atherosclerosis Is Associated With Increased Intima-Media Thickness and Elevated Serum Levels of Inflammatory Markers|AHAJournals
- Cigarette Smoking as a Determinant of High-Grade Carotid Artery Stenosis in Hispanic, Black, and White Patients With Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack|AHAJournals
- Know your risk: Family history and heart disease|Heart Foundation
- Carotid Artery Disease | Dr. Jason Toniolo
- Explainable artificial intelligence for stroke prediction through comparison of deep learning and machine learning models|Nature