Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in the carotid arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain and increasing the risk of stroke. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent serious neurological complications.

Medical management focuses on reducing stroke risk through lifestyle modification and medication. This includes antiplatelet therapy, cholesterol‑lowering medications (statins), blood pressure control, diabetes management, and smoking cessation. Medical treatment is often recommended for patients with mild to moderate carotid narrowing or those not suitable for surgery.

Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes plaque from the carotid artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain. It is a well‑established treatment for patients with significant carotid artery narrowing, particularly those who have had symptoms such as stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). The procedure has been shown to significantly reduce future stroke risk when performed in appropriate patients.

Carotid artery stenting is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. A small mesh stent is placed inside the carotid artery to keep it open and improve blood flow. This option may be recommended for patients at higher risk for open surgery or with complex anatomy. Carotid stenting can effectively reduce stroke risk in carefully selected patients.