Bruit

A carotid bruit is an abnormal sound from the heart. The sound is in synchronization with the heartbeat. It is generally caused by turbulent blood flow, such as caused by irregularities in the wall of the blood vessel or by an abnormal connection (fistula) between an artery and vein. A bruit that is normally heard over the carotid artery is a sign that there are fats in the wall of the vessel.

The bruit can be heard by using a stethoscope to listen to blood flow in the carotid artery. The carotid artery is the main artery in the neck region and is responsible for bringing blood to the head. A bruit indicates a fatty buildup (atherosclerosis) in the artery. Carotid bruit is a sign of the person’s higher stroke risk.

A bruit does not necessarily mean the carotid artery will become more clogged and a stroke will result however it does expose you to higher risk and means that you and your doctor should do everything you can to reduce your risk. There could be abdominal bruits as well.

This is also possible that a bruit is only temporary and goes away on its own. Treatment of the underlying cause if treated timely and properly will make it go away. If your carotid artery is more than 50 percent blocked it is necessary to perform a surgery to remove the fatty buildup (endarterectomy) or to open the narrowed artery (angioplasty and perhaps stenting) may be necessary.

Symptoms :

The following are the symptoms which are associated with the bruits and doctor need to examine it very carefully.

• Tearing pain in the abdomen
• Peripheral pulses
• Thirst Hypotension
• A weak and thready pulse
• Mottled knees and elbows
• Cool and clammy skin
• Restlessness
• Diarrhea
• Edema, weakness and paresthesia

Causes :
There could be many underlying causes of bruit. The following medical conditions are some to mention

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Abdominal aortic sclerosis
• Anaemia
• Carotid artery stenosis
• Carotid cavernous fistula
• Peripheral arteriovenous fistula
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Renal artery stenosis
• Subclavian steal syndrome
• Thyrotoxicosis
• Benign normal variant in children
• Abdomina aortic aneurysm
• Abdominal aortic atherosclerosis
• Anemia

Treatment :

• A regular medication for further deterioration
• Smoking and alcohol cessation
• Treat hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia
• Carotid angioplasty is currently under study
• Patients with underlying disease processes require appropriate treatment.