Patient Education

Heart Health Library

Our Health Library does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their heart health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Carotid artery stenosis

Carotid artery stenosis is a narrowing of one or both of the carotid arteries. These blood vessels supply blood to your brain. They can be narrowed and damaged by the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque (say "plak"). This plaque may limit blood flow to the brain. If this plaque breaks open, it may form a blood clot. Or pieces of the plaque may break off. A piece of plaque or a blood clot could move to the brain and cause a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).