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Carotid Artery Disease

By , About.com Guide

Updated June 25, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Carotid artery disease is a condition where atherosclerosis develops within one or both of the carotid arteries of the body. The carotid arteries are vessels that bring blood -– which includes oxygen and other nutrients –- to the brain. When plaques develop on the inner wall of these vessels, the vessels become narrowed and blood flow to the brain is reduced.

High cholesterol levels are a risk factor for developing carotid artery disease, since lipids can deposit onto the inner walls of inflamed areas within the artery.

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