Question 1

what happens if your cardiologist told you both of your carotid arteries were blocked?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on the degree of blockage. In most cases it is just an indicator that a patient needs treatment for generalized atherosclerosis. In occasional cases it increases the risk for stroke and needs to be treated. See a vascular surgeon for a good opinion.

Question 2

my cardiologist told me both of my carotid arteries are blocked. what are my options?

Accepted Answer

Carotid artery : You should discuss your options with the cardiologist. Diet, exercise, stopping smoking and medications are the baseline therapy but some people also can have procedures either surgical or catheter based if appropriate for them.

Question 3

what are symptoms of blocked carotid arteries?

Accepted Answer

Stroke: Dizziness, visual changes. See stroke.Org for more complete list.

Question 4

can carotid arteries be replaced if they are too blocked for carotid end-arterectomy?

Accepted Answer

No: If you have a complete blockage of the carotid artery, then no treatment is advised. If blockage is severe, carotid endarterectomy or stenting can be done. The degree of blockage and presence of symptoms determine the need for intervention.

Question 5

if your mother has 50% blocked carotid
arteries at 75+ at what age should the son or daughter be checked (screened)are there symptoms to look out for?

Accepted Answer

There is no good way: to infer from your mother's clinical situation to yours. Many things other than genetics affect the development of atherosclerotic disease. For asymptomatic individuals screening is not indicated. Symptoms are TIAs, dizzy spells, bruit on exam or stroke.

Question 6

how can i tell if i have a blocked carotid artery?

Accepted Answer

Duplex scan: Doppler involves the use of reflected sound waves to evaluate the flow of blood in vessels. Vascular ultrasound  evaluates the structure and architecture of blood vessels and can be used to visualize blockages in arteries and veins.  Using these together is called a duplex scan and is what vascular labs all utilize for diagnosis.  Always look to see that the lab you go to is accredited by icavl.

Question 7

is surgery for blocked carotid artery dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Carotid: Carotid artery surgery has stroke as one of its complications. As such it is not without significant risk.

Question 8

carotid artery feels numb and full. i'm only 18 but could it be possible my artery is blocked?

Accepted Answer

Doubtful: Unlikely, at your age, you would experience carotid thrombosis, unless you had trauma, and then, a stroke would develop.  The sensation over the neck could represent muscle spasm, enlarged lymph node, or aberrant thyroid tissue.  See your doc, get examined, and hopefully, get reassured.

Question 9

is it recommended to have surgery when one carotid artery is completely blocked and the other is 70 % block. with a prior history of a stroke 3 years ago?

Accepted Answer

: Yes, it should be done.

Question 10

my carotid artery is 80% blocked and i am going in for carotid stenting next thur. started smoking again. am i going to be okay??

Accepted Answer

Avoid smoking: since that is what caused it. Somewhat concerned about you getting a carotid stent at age 42 since it is reserved for high risk patients. You should discuss carotid stent vs carotid endarterectomy with your physician.

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Doctor answers about:

Both carotid arteries blocked

A member asked:

What happens if your cardiologist told you both of your carotid arteries were blocked?

A member asked:

My cardiologist told me both of my carotid arteries are blocked. what are my options?

A member asked:

What are symptoms of blocked carotid arteries?

A member asked:

Can carotid arteries be replaced if they are too blocked for carotid end-arterectomy?

A member asked:

If your mother has 50% blocked carotid arteries at 75+ at what age should the son or daughter be checked (screened)are there symptoms to look out for?

A member asked:

How can i tell if i have a blocked carotid artery?

A member asked:

Is surgery for blocked carotid artery dangerous?

A member asked:

Carotid artery feels numb and full. i'm only 18 but could it be possible my artery is blocked?

A member asked:

Is it recommended to have surgery when one carotid artery is completely blocked and the other is 70 % block. with a prior history of a stroke 3 years ago?

A member asked:

My carotid artery is 80% blocked and i am going in for carotid stenting next thur. started smoking again. am i going to be okay??

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