Stroke Prevention - Carotid Artery Disease is a Stroke Risk Factor

Carotid artery disease is a risk factor for stroke - approximately 25 percent of ischemic strokes are caused by carotid artery disease. The brain receives its blood supply from the carotid arteries, two large arteries in the neck. (If you lightly touch your neck on the outer edge of your trachea (windpipe) you can feel the pulse in your carotid artery.) In carotid artery disease the arteries become narrowed, usually from a build up of cholesterol, fat and other substances inside of the artery (this buildup is called plaque).

• Carotid Artery Disease is a Stroke Risk Factor - Stroke Prevention

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