People in Seoul, South Korea, watched a news report on North Korea's announcement of its first hydrogen bomb test on Wednesday. Credit Jung Yeon-Je/Agence France-Presse â Getty Images.
Carotid artery disease is also called carotid artery stenosis. The term refers to the narrowing of the carotid arteries. This narrowing is usually caused by the buildup of fatty substances and cholesterol deposits, called plaque. Carotid artery occlusion refers to complete blockage of the artery.
One carotid artery is located on each side of your neck. When your doctor puts their hands on your neck to detect a pulse, theyâre feeling one of your carotid arteries. Carotid artery disease (CAD) occurs when a blockage in one or both of these arteries decreases the amount of blood flow to your brain. This can lead to a stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 795,000 people have a stroke every year in the United States.