Carotid artery stenosis risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [2]

Risk factors for carotid artery stenosis are almost similar to those for cerebrovascular accident (CVA), coronary heart disease (ACS) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Common risk factors include hypertension, smoking, advanced age and abnormal cholesterol levels including lowered HDL levels in the blood.

Risk factors for carotid artery stenosis include^[1]:

• Age – older age (>65 yrs) is associated with an increased risk
• Male gender
• Hypertension – blood pressure more than 140/90 mm Hg is a risk factor for carotid artery stenosis and should ideally be maintained below 140/90.
• Smoking
• Abnormal cholesterol levels – Low HDL and high LDL cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity – increases the risk of development of atherosclerosis and hypertension
• Insulin resistance
• Alcohol abuse

• Cocaine abuse
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Positive family history for atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke and carotid artery stenosis
• A diet high in saturated fatty acids

Template:WH Template:WS