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.
