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Carotid Artery Disease

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The carotid arteries are the primary blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque builds up and narrows these arteries, which can lead to a blockage and potentially cause a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a full-scale stroke. If you are over age 50 or have a family history of carotid artery disease, your primary care provider may listen to your arteries for abnormal sounds that could indicate a blockage.


Carotid artery disease often has few symptoms, but you should seek immediate emergency care if you experience any of the following:

  • New or severe headaches
  • Loss of vision in any part of the eye
  • Slurred speech
  • Weakness or loss of control of one side of your body
Risk factors for carotid artery disease include:
  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Family history
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Age 50 or older

If you are on Medicare, having these risk factors may qualify you for an ultrasound. 

A range of non-invasive screening options is available for carotid artery disease. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical options. Our skilled team will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms, condition, and lifestyle.

For more information, contact CMC's Vascular Nurse Navigator by calling: 603.665.5154

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Why choose CMC?

At CMC, our team of vascular physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and support staff combine extensive expertise with a personal commitment to your well-being. Each member of our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care and ensuring the best outcomes for every procedure.

What is Carotid Artery Disease?

Vascular Surgeon, Toufic Imam, MD, FACS explains the carotid artery and what carotid artery disease is.

Carotid Artery Disease & Artherosclerosis

Vascular Surgeon, Toufic Imam, MD, FACS explains what atherosclerosis is and how it can cause coronary artery disease. 

Carotid Artery Disease Treatment Methods

Lifestyle changes may be the first plan of treatment if you have carotid artery disease. The goal of these adjustments is to lower your risk of stroke. Increasing your physical activity, eating a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, losing weight, and quitting smoking can all improve your health and lower your stroke risk. Medicines that can help this goal include: blood pressure medications, statins to lower cholesterol, and blood thinners or aspirin to prevent blood clots.

Interventional & Surgical treatments may also be needed. A carotid endarterectomy may be appropriate for you if you have already had a TIA or stroke as a result of a carotid artery blockage. This is a procedure to remove the plaque causing the blockage. Carotid stenting can also be performed to prop open a narrowed artery with a stent.

TCAR Procedure

Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) is a clinically proven, minimally invasive, safe approach for patients with carotid artery disease who are at high risk for traditional open surgery. The TCAR procedure is unique in that blood flow is temporarily reversed during the procedure so that any small bits of plaque that may break off are diverted away from the brain, preventing a stroke from happening. A stent is then placed inside the artery to stabilize the plaque, minimizing the risk of a future stroke. Benefits of TCAR include:

  • Reduced risk of stroke
  • Minimally invasive
  • Smaller incision
  • Shorter procedure time
  • Shorter hospital and recovery time         

TransCarotid Artery Revascularization

A less-invasive treatment option for carotid artery disease, which is responsible for up to one-third of strokes.

New Treatment for Carotid Artery Disease

Minimally Invasive Procedure Prevents Stroke

For CMC patient, Gerald, being the first patient to try a new procedure was an easy decision. "After everything I’ve been through with the cancer, I knew I didn’t want to have a stroke too! I’ve got two great doctors and I’ve lived an extra ten years because of them. And I’ll probably live 10 more now. I feel great.”

Read Gerald's Story