Skip to main content

Experiencing Lightheadness or Dizziness? You could have Carotid Artery Disease

Prime Heart and Vascular, carotid artery, Rishin Shah, MD

If you’re experiencing unexplained dizziness or lightheadedness, it may be time to see a doctor. These symptoms can have a range of causes, but some of them are serious and can even be life-threatening, like carotid artery disease.

To find out if your symptoms are related to carotid artery disease, schedule an appointment with us at Prime Heart and Vascular. Our founder, Rishin Shah, MD, is a renowned cardiac and vascular specialist who has the experience to determine if your symptoms are related to carotid artery disease.

Read on to learn more about this condition and its signs, as well as what to do about them.

Carotid artery disease basics

Carotid artery disease is the medical term for narrowing of the arteries. It affects your carotid arteries, the two large blood vessels that provide the front part of your brain with oxygenated blood.

This area of your brain allows you to think, talk, experience various senses, express your personality, and move about normally. If you place a finger on the side of your neck, you can feel your pulse in a carotid artery.

When these arteries become blocked, a range of problems can arise, including a stroke.

Carotid artery disease and dizziness

When oxygen-rich blood can’t flow properly to your brain, it makes sense that you might feel dizzy or lightheaded. Many people who develop carotid artery disease experience coexisting dizziness, according to research published in the journal American Family Physician.

Sometimes carotid artery disease causes no noticeable symptoms before triggering a transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA is a sudden and temporary loss of blood flow to a brain area that causes a range of symptoms, including:

When to seek medical attention for dizziness

If you experience recurrent, ongoing, sudden, or severe dizziness or lightheadedness and aren’t sure of the cause, seek medical help. You could be experiencing symptoms of carotid artery disease or another condition in need of treatment.

Seek immediate emergency care if you’re also experiencing:

Until you see your doctor about dizziness

If you are unable to see your doctor about dizziness or lightheadedness immediately, self-care steps can help in the meantime. Move slowly whenever you stand up from a reclined or seated position. This can help avoid that head-rush sensation.

Drink plenty of water as well, which can help prevent various types of dizziness and lower your risk for a stroke. While you’re at it, avoid tobacco and caffeine, both of which can restrict blood flow, worsening lightheadedness.

To get answers to your questions about carotid artery disease, call one of our three offices or book an appointment using our online scheduler. We’d love to help in any way we can.

Learn More

 

You Might Also Enjoy...

Understanding the Four Stages of Heart Failure

Understanding the Four Stages of Heart Failure

Heart failure affects millions of Americans, but fortunately, there are ways to manage it. Identifying the four stages of heart failure plays a key role in treatment. If you have heart failure, here’s what you should know about these stages.
Save Money and Protect Your Health with Preventive Cardiology

Save Money and Protect Your Health with Preventive Cardiology

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and when it comes to cardiology, it’s certainly true. Preventive cardiology focuses on reducing the risk of heart disease, so you can enjoy better health and reduced care costs in the future.
Recognizing the Early Warning Signs of PAD

Recognizing the Early Warning Signs of PAD

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a chronic disease that can have life-threatening consequences. Fortunately, it can be managed — but getting early treatment is critical. Be on the lookout for these symptoms.
Understanding Your Risk Factors for Vein Problems

Understanding Your Risk Factors for Vein Problems

Vein problems are common, and without treatment, they can cause significant complications and take a big toll on your life and your health. Knowing your risk factors can help you take steps to prevent problems.
Can You Reverse Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Can You Reverse Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects millions of Americans, increasing their risks of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious complications. Two big questions: Can you reverse PAD? And what can you do to manage it and stay healthy?