The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain.
A complete carotid artery examination includes measurement of blood pressure in both arms and ultrasound of the carotid arteries, vertebral arteries and subclavian arteries on both sides.
Stroke symptoms include but are not limited to:
- One-sided loss of strength or numbness
- Difficulty speaking
- Visual disturbance
Risk Factors for Carotid Artery Disease include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Family history
- Heart disease (coronary artery disease)