What causes carotid artery disease?

Carotid artery disease is caused by atherosclerosis, where plaque made of cholesterol, calcium, fat, and other substances builds up inside the carotid arteries. Elevated LDL cholesterol is the primary culprit, as these particles penetrate artery walls and trigger inflammation, leading to plaque formation. Over time, this plaque narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow to the brain, significantly increasing stroke risk.

What is the best test for carotid artery disease?

The Direct LDL test is the most important blood test for carotid artery disease because it directly measures the LDL cholesterol that accumulates in artery walls to form the plaque responsible for blockages. While imaging studies like carotid ultrasound or angiography diagnose the actual narrowing of arteries, the Direct LDL test is essential for assessing your cardiovascular risk, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and guiding cholesterol management strategies to prevent disease progression and reduce stroke risk.

When should I get tested for carotid artery disease?

You should get tested if you have high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of stroke or heart disease, or if you smoke. Testing is also important if you are over age 55, have experienced a mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack), or have been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease or coronary artery disease. Regular cholesterol monitoring helps catch elevated LDL levels early, allowing you to take action before plaque buildup becomes severe.

What are the symptoms of carotid artery disease?

Carotid artery disease often has no symptoms until a stroke or transient ischemic attack occurs. Warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side), sudden confusion or trouble speaking, sudden vision problems in one or both eyes, sudden dizziness or loss of balance, and sudden severe headache. These symptoms require immediate medical attention, as they indicate that blood flow to the brain has been compromised.

Who is at risk for carotid artery disease?

People with high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and those who smoke are at highest risk for carotid artery disease. Age is also a factor, with risk increasing significantly after 55 for men and 60 for women. Family history of cardiovascular disease, obesity, physical inactivity, and a diet high in saturated fats further elevate risk. African Americans have higher rates of high blood pressure and diabetes, which increases their carotid artery disease risk.

What happens if carotid artery disease is left untreated?

Untreated carotid artery disease can lead to stroke, which occurs when plaque ruptures or a blood clot forms and blocks blood flow to the brain. Stroke is a leading cause of death and permanent disability, potentially causing paralysis, speech problems, memory loss, and cognitive impairment. Even without a major stroke, reduced blood flow can cause transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes) that increase your risk of a full stroke within days or weeks.

Can carotid artery disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Blood tests cannot diagnose carotid artery disease directly, as the narrowing of arteries is confirmed through imaging studies like carotid ultrasound, CT angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography. However, blood tests are essential for identifying the underlying risk factors that cause the disease. The Direct LDL test measures the cholesterol that forms plaque in your arteries, helping your doctor assess your cardiovascular risk and monitor whether cholesterol-lowering treatments are working effectively.

How is carotid artery disease treated?

Treatment focuses on reducing stroke risk through lifestyle changes and medications. Statins are the primary medication used to lower LDL cholesterol and stabilize plaque. Antiplatelet drugs like aspirin prevent blood clots, while blood pressure medications control hypertension. For severe blockages, procedures like carotid endarterectomy (surgical plaque removal) or carotid artery stenting may be necessary. Lifestyle modifications including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and weight management are crucial for all patients.

How can I prevent carotid artery disease?

Prevention centers on controlling cardiovascular risk factors through healthy lifestyle choices. Maintain healthy cholesterol levels by eating a diet low in saturated fats and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly), maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking. Control blood pressure and blood sugar if you have hypertension or diabetes. Regular cholesterol screening helps you monitor your LDL levels and catch problems early.

What lifestyle changes help with carotid artery disease?

A Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, nuts, fish, fruits, and vegetables can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. Limit saturated fats, trans fats, and dietary cholesterol found in red meat, full-fat dairy, and processed foods. Regular aerobic exercise like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling improves circulation and helps lower cholesterol. Quit smoking immediately, as tobacco damages artery walls and accelerates plaque buildup. Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques, as chronic stress contributes to cardiovascular disease.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Carotid Artery Disease Blood Test

What is Carotid artery disease?

Carotid artery disease occurs when the major blood vessels supplying blood to the brain become narrowed or blocked. It is caused by atherosclerotic plaque buildup from elevated LDL cholesterol, inflammation, and other cardiovascular risk factors. The Direct LDL test is the most important blood test for assessing carotid artery disease risk because it directly measures the cholesterol that forms artery-blocking plaque.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com