A 49-year-old member asked:
i was wondering what is the risk factors for carotid artery disease?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Ehab Kasasbeh answered
Cardiology 20 years experience
Same : Same as those for cardiac or peripheral vascular disease: high fat diet, lack of exercise, poorly controlled diabetes and high blood pressure. Also genetic factors play a role. Very importantly, smoking.
4614 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 23-year-old member asked:
How do you diagonise carotid artery disease?
3 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jonathan Dissin answered
Neurology 39 years experience
Multiple modalities: Carotid ultrasound is the least invasive of the tests. Mr angiography requires a patient to lie in a confined space. The quality of the images is dependent upon no movement during the study. Ct angiography requires iodine-based contrast dye. Patients with chronic renal disease may have special preparations before their study. The gold standard is most invasive, arterial angiography.
6276 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 47-year-old member asked:
Describe the features of carotid artery disease.?
2 doctor answers • 16 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Chen answered
Neurology 22 years experience
Ischemic stroke: Carotid artery disease usually occurs at the origin of the internal carotid artery at the neck and results from plaque build up. The main concern is that blood clots may for from turbulent blood flow this plaque causes, and the clot may travel upward and block an important brain artery, causing a stroke. It is a common found and commonly treated cause for stroke. Several options exist.
6038 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Theodore Wu commented
Ophthalmology 22 years experience
Carotid blockage can also cause a Central Retinal Artery Occlusion, resulting in blindness.
Feb 13, 2012
A 27-year-old member asked:
How do people treat carotid artery disease?
3 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in

Dr. Olivier Frankenberger answered
Cardiology 27 years experience
Multiple options: If the narrowing is significant surgery or a stent are used. Before you get to that point blood pressure control, cholesterol lowering medications and blood sugar control are helpful. And obviously no smoking.
5984 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Linda Harris commented
Vascular Surgery 34 years experience
If you have disease in your carotid artery, you should be on aspirin or plavix or both unless there is a reason not to take the medicines. You should not smoke. You should be on statin medications if possible. It is important to see a vascular surgeon to optimize your management of the disease. Surgery is reserved for moderate to severe blockages, depending on the presence of symptoms.
Apr 13, 2012
CA
A 39-year-old member asked:
What does having carotid artery disease mean?
5 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in

Dr. Khashayar Salartash answered
Vascular Surgery 29 years experience
Stenosis: Carotid disease is most commonly referred to as a narrowing of the carotid arteries at the bifurcation in the neck. This accumulation of plaque usually occurs in patients with risk factors for peripheral vascular disease such as hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and smoking. Plaque is brittle and can cause debris to break off and cause a stroke.
5984 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
What to do if I have carotid artery disease?
6 doctor answers • 22 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Gabor answered
Diagnostic Radiology 33 years experience
It depends: It depends on the severity. Anything along the spectrum of lifestyle changes, to medication, to surgery may be indicated. Speak with your doctor about your particular situation.
3890 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated May 23, 2015
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