What Are the Carotid Arteries?

The carotid arteries are the two main arteries that supply the brain with blood. They are located on both sides of the neck.

There are two carotid arteries: the left and the right.

Like all arteries in the body, the carotid arteries can be affected by atherosclerosis.

Their narrowing or blockage due to the buildup of plaque made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances circulating in the bloodstream can cause a stroke. Early diagnosis and treatment of a narrowed carotid artery can reduce this risk.
Risk factors that contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques:

An abnormal sound in the carotid arteries, detected by the doctor with a stethoscope
Regular smoking
Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure).
Diabetes
High blood fats
Advancing age
Obesity or overweight
Family history or heredity
Atherosclerotic plaques are the same as those that form in the coronary arteries, which are responsible for acute myocardial infarction. For this reason, people with coronary artery disease are more predisposed than others to forming fatty plaques in the carotid arteries.