Treating narrowed arteries in the neck
The buildup of fat, cholesterol and other deposits on artery walls can block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to organs and tissues throughout the body. When clogs develop in the coronary arteries, the result can be a heart attack. But when obstructions develop in the carotid arteries of the neck, the main hazard is brain attack (stroke). Plaque in a carotid artery can cause a stroke by blocking blood flow to part of the brain, or by breaking loose and completely blocking a smaller vessel in the brain. Symptoms of a pending stroke usually call for treatment to reduce the risk.
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