Question 1

had 50 to 60% filling in my cartroid arteries found from mra.  last one was 2008 &  this month another  showed i was clear.  how many people clear up?

Accepted Answer

Not many: Makes me wonder if you have tortuous carotid arteries which can have higher velocities.

Question 2

what are the carotid arteries?

Accepted Answer

Carotic Arteries: The human carotid arteries supply the head and the neck with oxygenated blood.  The left common carotid artery originates from the aorta and the right common carotid originates from the brachiocephalic artery which originates from the aorta.  The carotic artery divides in the neck to form the internal and external carotic arteries.

Question 3

could you die by touching the carotid arteries?

Accepted Answer

Exceedingly unlikely: The chances of this happening are extremely remote. Having said that we are always extremely cautious in examining patients with carotid artery atherosclerosis. I have personally witnessed at least one patient getting a stroke after a carotid artery examination--fortunately he recovered. So it is theoretically possible to get a stroke large enough to cause death, but the odds are extremely small.

Question 4

if your internal carotid arteries are normal wouldnt the external ones be normal as well?

Accepted Answer

Probably: The common carotid artery divides into internal and external branches.  The internal carotid is much more important as it is the major blood supply to the brain.  When atherosclerosis develops it often starts at the branch point (the "bifurcation.")

Question 5

i was told i have small hemogen plaques in my carotid. im 41. what age do plaques begin to show up in arteries.?

Accepted Answer

Lifestyle choices: Plaques
form in the carotid in the following manner.  Fatty streaks appear, followed by formation of atherosclerosis (Cholesterol plaques).  These plaques can then rupture leading to stroke and other disease.  Fatty streaks have been routinely found in the autopsies of young soldiers, plaques later. To slow progression you should watch your BP, stay active, and have your cholesterol checked.

Question 6

can your carotid artery spasm?

Accepted Answer

Yes. : Any artery that is not "hardened" with plaque or calcium can go into spasm.  However, connecting spasm with clinical symptoms is a more difficult.  If you are concerned you should consult a vascular surgeon or neurologist.

Question 7

can statins unclog carotid arteries?

Accepted Answer

Not really : Statins stabilize plaque so they are the best defense against atherosclerotic plaque. They decrease ischemic and embolic events. However, they do not reverse a stenosis.

Question 8

what are symptoms of blocked carotid arteries?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

what happens when a carotid artery gets nicked?

Accepted Answer

Carotid injury: Bleeding complication and if it is not addressed it could lead to death.

Question 10

what does narrowing of the carotid artery mean?

Accepted Answer

See below: Carotid artery narrowing means that the carotid arteries have blockage, usually in the form of atherosclerosis. 
In the absence of neurological symptoms, most cases can be handled with medicine and close periodic follow up by a vascular surgeon. However, if the blockage is more than 80%, surgery will reduce the risk of stroke.  In special instances, carotid angioplasty and stent may be an option.

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Doctor answers about:

Cartroid artery

A member asked:

Had 50 to 60% filling in my cartroid arteries found from mra. last one was 2008 & this month another showed i was clear. how many people clear up?

A member asked:

What are the carotid arteries?

A member asked:

Could you die by touching the carotid arteries?

A member asked:

If your internal carotid arteries are normal wouldnt the external ones be normal as well?

A member asked:

I was told i have small hemogen plaques in my carotid. im 41. what age do plaques begin to show up in arteries.?

A member asked:

Can your carotid artery spasm?

A member asked:

Can statins unclog carotid arteries?

A member asked:

What are symptoms of blocked carotid arteries?

A member asked:

What happens when a carotid artery gets nicked?

A member asked:

What does narrowing of the carotid artery mean?

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