&lt;h1 data-start=&quot;219&quot; data-end=&quot;305&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Is Carotid Artery Disease? (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h1&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;307&quot; data-end=&quot;508&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Your brain is like the command center of your body. It controls your thoughts, speech, balance, memory, and even your heartbeat. To do all that work 24/7, it needs a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;510&quot; data-end=&quot;615&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;That blood travels through two very important blood vessels in your neck called the &lt;strong data-start=&quot;594&quot; data-end=&quot;614&quot;&gt;carotid arteries&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;617&quot; data-end=&quot;812&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Think of them as the brain&amp;rsquo;s personal delivery highways.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br data-start=&quot;678&quot; data-end=&quot;681&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;When these highways are wide open, traffic flows smoothly. Oxygen and nutrients arrive right on time. Everything works beautifully.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;814&quot; data-end=&quot;864&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;But over time, those highways can start to narrow.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;814&quot; data-end=&quot;864&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;871&quot; data-end=&quot;909&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Causes the &amp;ldquo;Traffic Jam&amp;rdquo;?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;911&quot; data-end=&quot;1064&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Carotid artery disease develops when &lt;strong data-start=&quot;948&quot; data-end=&quot;966&quot;&gt;fatty deposits&lt;/strong&gt;, called &lt;em data-start=&quot;975&quot; data-end=&quot;983&quot;&gt;plaque&lt;/em&gt;, build up inside the artery walls. This process is known as &lt;strong data-start=&quot;1044&quot; data-end=&quot;1063&quot;&gt;atherosclerosis&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;1066&quot; data-end=&quot;1087&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Plaque is made up of:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1090&quot; data-end=&quot;1103&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Cholesterol&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1106&quot; data-end=&quot;1111&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Fat&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1114&quot; data-end=&quot;1123&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Calcium&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1126&quot; data-end=&quot;1163&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Other substances found in the blood&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;1165&quot; data-end=&quot;1205&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;As plaque builds up, the artery becomes:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1208&quot; data-end=&quot;1218&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Narrower&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1221&quot; data-end=&quot;1236&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Less flexible&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1239&quot; data-end=&quot;1279&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Less able to deliver steady blood flow&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1281&quot; data-end=&quot;1378&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Imagine squeezing a garden hose &amp;mdash; the water slows down. That&amp;rsquo;s what happens when arteries narrow.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1380&quot; data-end=&quot;1407&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;And here&amp;rsquo;s the tricky part&amp;hellip;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1380&quot; data-end=&quot;1407&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;1414&quot; data-end=&quot;1451&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;It Often Has No Early Symptoms&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1453&quot; data-end=&quot;1560&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Carotid artery disease is sometimes called a &amp;ldquo;silent condition&amp;rdquo; because you may not feel anything at first.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1562&quot; data-end=&quot;1613&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;No pain.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br data-start=&quot;1570&quot; data-end=&quot;1573&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;No warning signs.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br data-start=&quot;1590&quot; data-end=&quot;1593&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;No obvious symptoms.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1615&quot; data-end=&quot;1780&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Many people don&amp;rsquo;t realize they have it until blood flow to the brain becomes seriously reduced &amp;mdash; or until a &lt;strong data-start=&quot;1723&quot; data-end=&quot;1758&quot;&gt;transient ischemic attack (TIA)&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;strong data-start=&quot;1762&quot; data-end=&quot;1772&quot;&gt;stroke&lt;/strong&gt; occurs.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1782&quot; data-end=&quot;1819&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;That&amp;rsquo;s why awareness is so important.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;1826&quot; data-end=&quot;1849&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why It&amp;rsquo;s Serious&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;1851&quot; data-end=&quot;1914&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;If plaque becomes severe enough, two major problems can happen:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1916&quot; data-end=&quot;2079&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1920&quot; data-end=&quot;1953&quot;&gt;The artery becomes too narrow&lt;/strong&gt;, reducing blood flow to the brain.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1916&quot; data-end=&quot;2079&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1995&quot; data-end=&quot;2027&quot;&gt;A piece of plaque breaks off&lt;/strong&gt;, travels to the brain, and blocks a smaller artery.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2081&quot; data-end=&quot;2180&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;When the brain doesn&amp;rsquo;t get enough oxygen &amp;mdash; even for a few minutes &amp;mdash; brain cells can become damaged.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;2182&quot; data-end=&quot;2199&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;This can lead to:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2202&quot; data-end=&quot;2246&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;A &lt;strong data-start=&quot;2204&quot; data-end=&quot;2225&quot;&gt;TIA (mini-stroke)&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; temporary blockage&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2249&quot; data-end=&quot;2311&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;A &lt;strong data-start=&quot;2251&quot; data-end=&quot;2261&quot;&gt;Stroke&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; longer blockage that can cause permanent damage&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;2318&quot; data-end=&quot;2352&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What&amp;rsquo;s a TIA (Mini-Stroke)?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2354&quot; data-end=&quot;2480&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;A TIA is like a temporary traffic jam in the brain. Blood flow stops briefly &amp;mdash; but then clears before permanent damage occurs.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;2482&quot; data-end=&quot;2495&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Symptoms may:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2498&quot; data-end=&quot;2515&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Appear suddenly&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2518&quot; data-end=&quot;2553&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Last a few minutes to a few hours&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2556&quot; data-end=&quot;2588&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Completely disappear afterward&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2590&quot; data-end=&quot;2669&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Even though symptoms go away, a TIA is a major red flag. It&amp;rsquo;s your body saying:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2671&quot; data-end=&quot;2707&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&amp;ldquo;We need to check your arteries.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2671&quot; data-end=&quot;2707&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;2714&quot; data-end=&quot;2774&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Who Is More Likely to Develop Carotid Artery Disease?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;2776&quot; data-end=&quot;2811&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Certain factors increase your risk:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2815&quot; data-end=&quot;2836&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;High blood pressure&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2839&quot; data-end=&quot;2857&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;High cholesterol&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2860&quot; data-end=&quot;2869&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Smoking&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2872&quot; data-end=&quot;2882&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Diabetes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2885&quot; data-end=&quot;2894&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Obesity&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2897&quot; data-end=&quot;2915&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Lack of exercise&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2918&quot; data-end=&quot;2951&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Family history of heart disease&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2954&quot; data-end=&quot;2961&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Aging&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2963&quot; data-end=&quot;3048&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;These risk factors gradually damage artery walls and make plaque buildup more likely.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3050&quot; data-end=&quot;3098&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;The good news? Many of these are &lt;strong data-start=&quot;3083&quot; data-end=&quot;3097&quot;&gt;modifiable&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3050&quot; data-end=&quot;3098&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;3105&quot; data-end=&quot;3139&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why Early Detection Matters&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3141&quot; data-end=&quot;3200&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Carotid artery disease doesn&amp;rsquo;t have to become an emergency.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;3202&quot; data-end=&quot;3235&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When detected early, doctors can:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3238&quot; data-end=&quot;3264&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Monitor artery narrowing&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3267&quot; data-end=&quot;3296&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Recommend lifestyle changes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3299&quot; data-end=&quot;3332&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Prescribe medications if needed&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3335&quot; data-end=&quot;3369&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Reduce stroke risk significantly&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3371&quot; data-end=&quot;3439&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;The goal is simple:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3393&quot; data-end=&quot;3439&quot;&gt;Keep blood flowing smoothly to your brain.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3371&quot; data-end=&quot;3439&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;3446&quot; data-end=&quot;3480&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Friendly Takeaway&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3482&quot; data-end=&quot;3578&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Your carotid arteries may be hidden in your neck, but they play a starring role in brain health.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3580&quot; data-end=&quot;3738&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Carotid artery disease often develops quietly &amp;mdash; but understanding the risks, causes, and early warning signs can help you stay ahead of serious complications.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3740&quot; data-end=&quot;3829&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Think of it as routine highway maintenance for your brain&amp;rsquo;s most important roadways.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3740&quot; data-end=&quot;3829&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h1 data-start=&quot;2118&quot; data-end=&quot;2162&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Symptoms, Causes &amp;amp; When to Act&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h1&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2164&quot; data-end=&quot;2333&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Carotid artery disease often doesn&amp;rsquo;t make itself known until the blood flow to your brain is seriously affected &amp;mdash; which is why knowing the warning signs is so important.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2164&quot; data-end=&quot;2333&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;2164&quot; data-end=&quot;2333&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Spotting the Warning Signs&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2376&quot; data-end=&quot;2580&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;When carotid arteries are significantly narrowed or blocked, the first signs won&amp;rsquo;t be subtle. They often look like sudden changes in how your brain works &amp;mdash; kind of like the power flickering on a computer:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;2582&quot; data-end=&quot;2619&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2582&quot; data-end=&quot;2619&quot;&gt;Signs that might show up include:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2622&quot; data-end=&quot;2704&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2622&quot; data-end=&quot;2653&quot;&gt;Sudden numbness or weakness&lt;/strong&gt; in your arm, leg or face &amp;mdash; usually on &lt;em data-start=&quot;2692&quot; data-end=&quot;2702&quot;&gt;one side&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2707&quot; data-end=&quot;2764&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2707&quot; data-end=&quot;2762&quot;&gt;Confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding words&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2767&quot; data-end=&quot;2814&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2767&quot; data-end=&quot;2792&quot;&gt;Sudden trouble seeing&lt;/strong&gt; in one or both eyes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2817&quot; data-end=&quot;2851&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2817&quot; data-end=&quot;2849&quot;&gt;Dizziness or loss of balance&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2854&quot; data-end=&quot;2939&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2854&quot; data-end=&quot;2881&quot;&gt;Sudden, severe headache&lt;/strong&gt; with no known cause&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2941&quot; data-end=&quot;3062&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;These are classic signs of a &lt;strong data-start=&quot;2970&quot; data-end=&quot;2987&quot;&gt;stroke or TIA&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; and they require immediate action.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2941&quot; data-end=&quot;3062&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;3069&quot; data-end=&quot;3103&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When to Seek Medical Help&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3104&quot; data-end=&quot;3368&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;If you or someone near you experiences &lt;em data-start=&quot;3143&quot; data-end=&quot;3148&quot;&gt;any&lt;/em&gt; of these symptoms &amp;mdash; even if they seem to go away &amp;mdash; it&amp;rsquo;s &lt;strong data-start=&quot;3205&quot; data-end=&quot;3236&quot;&gt;time to get help right away&lt;/strong&gt;. A TIA may pass quickly, but it&amp;rsquo;s your body&amp;rsquo;s way of saying, &lt;em data-start=&quot;3298&quot; data-end=&quot;3330&quot;&gt;&amp;ldquo;Hey &amp;mdash; something&amp;rsquo;s not right!&amp;rdquo;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3370&quot; data-end=&quot;3500&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Quick action can prevent a major stroke, which can cause lasting brain damage or disability.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3370&quot; data-end=&quot;3500&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;3507&quot; data-end=&quot;3546&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Causes It &amp;amp; Who&amp;rsquo;s at Risk&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3547&quot; data-end=&quot;3778&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Carotid artery disease happens mostly because of a process called &lt;strong data-start=&quot;3613&quot; data-end=&quot;3632&quot;&gt;atherosclerosis&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; that&amp;rsquo;s when fatty plaques made of cholesterol, fat, and sticky blood cells build up inside your arteries.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;3780&quot; data-end=&quot;3814&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Common risk factors include:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3817&quot; data-end=&quot;3897&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3817&quot; data-end=&quot;3840&quot;&gt;High blood pressure&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; pressure on artery walls makes them easier to damage&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3900&quot; data-end=&quot;3984&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3900&quot; data-end=&quot;3926&quot;&gt;Smoking or tobacco use&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; this irritates the arteries and speeds plaque buildup&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3987&quot; data-end=&quot;4052&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3987&quot; data-end=&quot;3999&quot;&gt;Diabetes&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; which makes blood vessels more prone to clogging&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4055&quot; data-end=&quot;4128&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;4055&quot; data-end=&quot;4092&quot;&gt;High cholesterol or triglycerides&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; more plaque material to deposit&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4131&quot; data-end=&quot;4190&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;4131&quot; data-end=&quot;4151&quot;&gt;Being overweight&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; which increases other risk factors&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4193&quot; data-end=&quot;4301&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;4193&quot; data-end=&quot;4249&quot;&gt;Lack of exercise, poor diet, family history, and age&lt;/strong&gt; also matter&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;4303&quot; data-end=&quot;4500&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Having one or more of these doesn&amp;rsquo;t guarantee you&amp;rsquo;ll get carotid artery disease &amp;mdash; but it &lt;em data-start=&quot;4392&quot; data-end=&quot;4398&quot;&gt;does&lt;/em&gt; mean you should pay attention to your heart and brain health.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;4303&quot; data-end=&quot;4500&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;4507&quot; data-end=&quot;4541&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Friendly Prevention Tips&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;4542&quot; data-end=&quot;4632&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;While you can&amp;rsquo;t always stop plaque buildup completely, there are smart steps you can take:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;✔ &lt;strong data-start=&quot;4636&quot; data-end=&quot;4652&quot;&gt;Quit smoking&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; your arteries will thank you&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br data-start=&quot;4683&quot; data-end=&quot;4686&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;✔ &lt;strong data-start=&quot;4688&quot; data-end=&quot;4716&quot;&gt;Eat a heart-healthy diet&lt;/strong&gt; with fruits, vegetables and whole grains&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br data-start=&quot;4757&quot; data-end=&quot;4760&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;✔ &lt;strong data-start=&quot;4762&quot; data-end=&quot;4776&quot;&gt;Limit salt&lt;/strong&gt; and unhealthy fats&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br data-start=&quot;4795&quot; data-end=&quot;4798&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;✔ &lt;strong data-start=&quot;4800&quot; data-end=&quot;4822&quot;&gt;Exercise regularly&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br data-start=&quot;4822&quot; data-end=&quot;4825&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;✔ &lt;strong data-start=&quot;4827&quot; data-end=&quot;4865&quot;&gt;Manage blood pressure and diabetes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br data-start=&quot;4865&quot; data-end=&quot;4868&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;✔ &lt;strong data-start=&quot;4870&quot; data-end=&quot;4899&quot;&gt;Maintain a healthy weight&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;4941&quot; data-end=&quot;5071&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;These habits are like giving your arteries a smoother, roomier &amp;ldquo;road&amp;rdquo; for blood to travel.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;4941&quot; data-end=&quot;5071&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;5078&quot; data-end=&quot;5101&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Quick Takeaway&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;5102&quot; data-end=&quot;5413&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Carotid artery disease might sneak up silently&amp;hellip; but its consequences don&amp;rsquo;t have to if you know the signs and take action early. And remember &amp;mdash; with good lifestyle habits and early care, you can protect your brain&amp;rsquo;s blood supply and keep the traffic flowing smoothly!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;5102&quot; data-end=&quot;5413&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

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