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.
Carotid artery vasculitis: Inflammation of the carotid artery, due to an autoimmune condition or an infection. Stroke: A sudden blood clot in the carotid artery can interrupt blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke. Fragments of cholesterol plaque in the carotid artery may also travel into the brain to cause a stroke. Carotid artery stenosis: Narrowing of the carotid artery, usually due to cholesterol plaque buildup, or atherosclerosis.