The heart is the engine of your body – an organ that works around the clock to keep you alive, fit and healthy. Its operations are vital to your health and wellbeing, and for such a small organ – are extremely complex in design and function.
The heart is divided into four sections and has multiple valves, arteries and tissues that are essential to the effective functioning of your body. An artery that is especially important is the carotid artery -which ensures blood is circulated to the neck and brain. This artery consists of two separate sections which are individually responsible for each side of the body, and divide further in the neck to form the external and internal arteries that are also responsible for the efficient flow of oxygenated blood. These arteries provide blood to different areas of the neck, face and head: the external artery circulates blood around the face as a whole, whereas the internal artery carries blood to the face and eyes.
This regulation of blood-flow allows cells to function efficiently, by ensuring they receive adequate oxygen levels. If the carotid artery is subjected to strain or trauma – it can lead to carotid artery disease, which disables oxygen flow and can increase the possibility of you suffering a stroke or seizure. This is the result of arteries becoming saturated with high-levels of cholesterol – which can reduce oxygen-levels in blood, sometimes resulting in permanent damage and paralysis.
Carotid artery disease is often caused by an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise, and is presently one of the most common heart-diseases experienced by people. Fortunately, the onset of the disease can be avoided by making minor adjustments to your lifestyle, such as a healthier diet and undertaking regular exercise – which can help to facilitate more efficient carotid artery activity and reduces your chances of experiencing heart disease.
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