Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease, also known as carotid artery stenosis, refers to a narrowing of the carotid arteries, the two large blood vessels in the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the front part of the brain. The narrowing is caused by arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, in which waxy, fatty deposits known as plaques attach to the walls of the arteries. Over time, these plaques obstruct blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke, which is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Because carotid artery disease develops slowly, there may be no signs or symptoms until the arteries are almost completely blocked. The first outward sign may be a stroke.

 

Why UAB

At UAB Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute specialists provide expert treatment of multiple circulatory conditions using a broad range of services including medical therapy, endovascular therapy, and surgical reconstruction.

When you choose UAB to care for your vascular condition, you gain access to physicians who are leaders in their field for some of the most complex vascular conditions and who practice medicine with the latest cutting-edge treatment options. They have a highly successful track record of treating vascular disease. We maintain a robust research area that also manages clinical trials, which often lead to new modes of advanced therapy long before these treatments are available to the general public.

The Cardiovascular Institute experts at UAB work with each patient to arrive at a specific diagnosis and treatment plan based on medical history, physical exam, and non-invasive testing including ultrasound, Doppler with plethysmography, CT scans, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

UAB’s Cardiovascular Institute physicians include specialty-trained surgeons and medical doctors, offering both open and endovascular surgery options. These experts collaborate in your care, which is optimized with the most innovative treatments available in Alabama and the most modern facilities and equipment.

 

VIDEOS

Learn more about vascular surgeon Benjamin Pearce, MD.

Avoid foot problems that diabetes can cause.
Dr. James Davies appeared on ABC 33/40's "Talk of Alabama" to discuss UAB's expertise in aortic valve replacement.
Dr. Adam Beck appeared on Fox 6 TV's "Business Break" to discuss Aortic Aneurysm.
Dr. Marc Cribbs appeared on Fox 6 TV's "Business Break" to discuss Adult Congenital Heart Disease.
Born with a complicated form of congenital heart disease, baby Zaidan is now thriving following a life-saving transplant.
UAB Women's Heart Health Clinic provides specialized care.
Dr. Beck, director of the UAB Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, explains the aortic aneurysm repair process.
UAB’s 500th TAVR procedure gave this retired pastor and baseball player an opportunity to help others.

More about Ernest Tate's life-saving Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Physicians elsewhere said his options were limited, but UAB experts saved this patient's life with this groundbreaking new treatment for aortic valve stenosis.
WWII vet and three-time Purple Heart recipient is back on his feet after ambitious heart treatments and procedures.
Minimally invasive procedure repairs leaks, restores patient’s independence.

After two heart attacks and ten stents, Rick Vinson made significant strides toward a heart healthy lifestyle with help from UAB’s Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation program.

Unique heart procedure—transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)--gives 89 year old a new lease on life

More than 20,000 adults enter the Adult Congenital Heart Disease population every year, but 60% are lost to follow-up care. 

Transcathether Aortic Valve Replacement procedure puts Selma, Alabama's first black police chief closer to tending his farm.

Frequently asked questions about varicose veins.
Frequently asked questions about spider veins.

Take a video tour of the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Acton Road.

 

CARE PROVIDERS

Adam W. Beck, MD
Adam W. Beck, MD
Winfield S. Fisher III, MD
Winfield S. Fisher III, MD
Toby Ira Gropen, MD
Toby Ira Gropen, MD
Mark R. Harrigan, MD
Mark R. Harrigan, MD
Jesse Jones, MD
Jesse Jones, MD
Elizabeth Liptap, MD
Elizabeth Liptap, MD
Michael J. Lyerly, MD
Michael J. Lyerly, MD
Marc A. Passman, MD
Marc A. Passman, MD
Mark A. Patterson, MD
Mark A. Patterson, MD
Benjamin J. Pearce, MD
Benjamin J. Pearce, MD
Angela H. Shapshak, MD
Angela H. Shapshak, MD
Emily L Spangler, MD
Emily L Spangler, MD
Ken Unger, DPM
Ken Unger, DPM
 

RELATED SERVICES

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Carotid Artery Disease. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials