My carotid has a 60% occlusion - when do i have to have a stent place in it?

Usually 70%: How did you find out that your artery is 60% occluded. Usually guidelines state that you do not need a stent placed until you are having symptoms (lightheadedness/dizziness, vision loss, etc) and it is 70% occluded. Depending on your situation, however, your primary doctor or cardiologist may have a different discussion with you. It is best to also get their opinion. Best wishes.

Depends on symptoms.: If symptomatic can treat lesions 50% or greater. Asymptomatic patients, ones with no symptoms, may not need treatment until 80% stenosis. I work closely with my neurology colleagues and we decide together when a patient needs a carotid stent. We will send the patient to a surgeon if patient needs an endarterectomy. Consider seeing a neurologist. Be sure to take your antiplatelet medications.

Depends: A 60% degree of narrowing alone is not a reason to have a stent placed in. If you are having symptoms related to the narrowing (stroke or mini-stroke) you should see a vascular specialist. Most people need the artery surgically cleaned out as opposed to a stent. A person with a 60% degree of narrowing without symptoms should be treated with best medical therapy