A 41-year-old member asked:
what does intimal thickening of the carotid artery mean when thrre is no blockage?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Timothy Wu answered
Vascular Surgery 18 years experience
Somewhat unclear: Blockages in the carotid artery of a certain severity may increase one's risk of stroke. For those carotid arteries without a blockage, some physicians measure the intima (the inner-most lining of the artery) and derive a value called the imt, or intimal-medial thickness. It's supposed to help us determine severity of atherosclerosis, but this is somewhat controversial.
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Similar questions
A 21-year-old member asked:
What are the carotid arteries?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Albert Pizzo answered
Family Medicine 60 years experience
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.
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Algeria
A 18-year-old male asked:
What are the symptoms of dilation of carotid arteries?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Kenneth Smith answered
Internal Medicine 32 years experience
Carotid arteries: Dilated arteries none good flow. Stenosis restricted flow stroke like event.
5446 views
A 36-year-old member asked:
What does narrowing of the carotid artery mean?
3 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Peter H'doubler answered
Vascular Surgery 40 years experience
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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A 40-year-old member asked:
Can your carotid artery spasm?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Philip Gardner answered
Vascular Surgery 45 years experience
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.
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A 48-year-old member asked:
Treatment for bilateral carotid artery calcifications?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Timothy Wu answered
Vascular Surgery 18 years experience
None: Calcification of any artery, by itself, does not warrant any type of intervention or follow up. If that calcification is associated with a stenosis ("narrowing") of the artery, then that may require follow up and/or an operation. The carotid arteries are very often calcified and if associated with a high grade stenosis, may portend a higher risk of stroke. Discuss with a vascular surgeon.
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Last updated Mar 16, 2019
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