What does it mean to have carotid stenosis?

Hardened arteries: Carotid stenosis is due to calcified plaques narrowing the carotid arteries and is similar to (and can accompany) the same process in the coronary arteries. Mild to moderate (<60%) stenosis can be asymptomatic and has a relatively low risk of stroke. Risk is somewhat higher for more severe disease. Carotid ultrasound (or other imaging) helps determine the severity.

Narrowing: It is narrowing in the carotid artery typically at the bifurcation into the internal carotid which goes to the brain . The more the narrowing especially above 50% the more it needs attention by a vascular surgeon.

Narrowing: It means there is a narrowing in the carotid artery usually from plaque. The degree of narrowing is related to the risk of stroke. In rare cases, the narrowing can be from an irregularity of the inner lining of the wall of the artery called fibromuscular dysplasia.