Life Expectancy with a Blocked Carotid Artery

The narrowing of the carotid arteries is referred to as carotid artery disease or carotid artery stenosis. The carotid arteries become blocked, thin, and narrowed as a result of fatty cells, cholesterol buildup, and plaque formation. Carotid artery occlusion, which results in a total blockage in the artery of that important kind, is another word used to describe this medical disease. A stroke is caused by clogged carotid arteries, which can be the main cause of mortality for anyone.

In this blog, we’ll be discussing how a blocked carotid artery can occur, what life expectancy to look out for with the presence of modern surgical procedures, and the easiest ways to consult with the best cardiologist from the top cardiac hospitals in India.

Know about carotid artery

The blood vessels delivering blood to the human head are called carotid arteries. On each side of the neck, there are two typical varieties of carotid arteries. The external carotid artery and the internal carotid artery are the two. The internal carotid artery feeds blood to the brain, whereas the external carotid artery supplies blood to the scalp, face, and neck.

What happens if the carotid artery gets blocked?

Carotid arteries are subject to occlusion, much like any other blood channel. For instance, the inner artery walls may develop plaque, a compound consisting of cholesterol, calcium, and lipids, which can restrict the artery and reduce blood flow to essential organs. Atherosclerosis is a disorder that raises the risk of embolism and stroke and damages the arteries.

In a stroke, the blood supply to the mind gets interrupted. Because of this, brain cells that can no longer obtain oxygen start to die. And if it does, it can have fatal consequences and lead to bodily and mental disorders.

The symptoms you may have produced within your body will determine how long a person is going to live with a blocked carotid artery. The carotid artery may contribute to the development of several risk factors, which may also interact with other common heart disorders. According to the top heart specialist from the best heart Institute in India, the following are some ways to describe these risk factors:

• Factor of age
• The extent of Smoking cigarettes 
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Plaque formation is brought on by high cholesterol levels.
• Insulin sensitivity
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary kind of life
• Family history of the carotid artery or any cardiac conditions

Life expectancy with a blocked carotid artery

There is a significant possibility that one blocked artery will lead to shortened life expectancy. Asymptomatic patients can live for 3 to 5 years. To reduce your risk of having another stroke, your doctor can advise an invasive surgical operation if they find that your carotid arteries are blocked after you have already experienced one.

The placement of a stent inside your carotid artery is one of these procedures. In essence, it's a tiny mesh tube segment that keeps a constricted blood vessel open to maintain appropriate blood flow. While receiving a stent may seem risky, the dangers of leaving a blood vessel blockage untreated outweigh those of getting one.

Carotid endarterectomy is yet another technique (CEA). In this kind of surgery, the afflicted artery is clamped before the obstruction is taken out and removed. Following the excision, the artery can be patched using a segment of a vein from your leg. The artery and neck are then repaired using stitches.

The CEA process is generally regarded by doctors/cardiologists/neurosurgeons from the top heart institute in India as a safe procedure. It significantly lowers the risk of stroke in people with carotid artery blockages. Numerous studies have demonstrated a significantly reduced risk of stroke on the afflicted side following a CEA. Consequently, it's a process that tangibly lengthens their expected lifespan.

Surgery can effectively extend a woman's life by at least 16 years and a man's life by at least 14 years.

Living a healthy lifestyle is essential to extending your life expectancy if you have a blocked carotid artery. Your chances are greatly increased if you stop smoking, consume a healthy diet, exercise frequently, and take your medications as directed. Whether you have recently received a diagnosis or have already experienced a stroke, this is true. Additionally, it's crucial to follow up with your doctor frequently to monitor your condition.

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