Course of disease
A calcified carotid artery can remain asymptomatic and therefore undetected for a long time. As calcification typically increases gradually, the risk of developing a stroke increases as calcification increases. The risk of a heart attack also increases with carotid calcification. An early change in lifestyle can significantly improve the prognosis of the course of the disease.
These can be the consequences of a calcified carotid artery
Calcification of the carotid artery can cause circulatory problems. These can initially only occur for a short time. Possible symptoms are dizziness, headaches, impaired vision and temporary paralysis of arms and/or legs.
The dreaded complication of a calcified carotid artery is the detachment of a clot from the vessel wall. This can block a cerebral vessel and trigger a dangerous stroke. In the event of a stroke, the symptoms can persist for a long period of time or permanently due to the circulatory disorder.
Calcification of the blood vessels can also lead to the development of a heart attack. Carotid stenosis caused by calcification is to be taken seriously and requires treatment to prevent serious complications such as a stroke or heart attack. This topic might also be of interest to you: Calcifications in the abdominal artery
All articles in this series:
