Carotid Artery Disease
Why is the management of asymptomatic carotid disease so controversial - Ross Naylor
image by: Ask Vishal
HWN Recommends
The Scan That Saved My Life
“Let’s talk about your test results,” my neurologist said.
She looked as if she had good news. Instead, it was shocking.
The carotid artery on the left side of my neck, one of the brain’s two main sources of blood and oxygen, was clogged with fatty plaque, the doctor said. The artery was almost completely blocked.
There must be a mistake, I thought frantically. I exercise and am healthy and young. Actually, I’m 68, but, you know, a young 68. You are in danger of a major stroke, she said, and need an operation. Immediately.
The irony wasn’t lost on me. As a journalist covering the medical field, I have spent years writing about strokes, most of which…
Resources
Carotid Artery Stenosis: Surgery, Stent, or Nonsurgical Stroke Prevention?
Scientific studies have provided us with considerable evidence about carotid artery screening and treatment; but for whatever reason, the evidence has often been disregarded. Carotid endarterectomy and angioplasty/stenting are being done on too many asymptomatic patients in the US. And asymptomatic people in the general population are getting carotid ultrasound screening (often from direct-to-consumer businesses like Lifeline) despite the evidence that it does more harm than good.
When Arteries Narrow, Fee-For-Service Doctors Choose Surgery
Patients treated by doctors who were paid in the traditional fee-for-service system “were significantly more likely” to face carotid artery surgery than if treated by doctors paid a salary, according to a new study in JAMA Surgery.
Five things you should know about carotid artery stenosis
Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in America, and carotid artery stenosis—also known as carotid artery disease—is one of the leading risk factors for stroke, accounting for about 20 percent of strokes.
Surgery Preferable To Stents In Elderly People With Carotid Disease
Age should play an important role in choosing a revascularization procedure for people with blocked carotid arteries, according to a new paper published in JAMA Surgery. Carotid endarterectomy surgery (CEA) is preferable to carotid artery stenting (CAS) in elderly people; for younger patients the two revascularization procedures are broadly similar.
What Is the Future of Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Disease?
We recommend that for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis patients (even those with >80%) stenosis there is enough evidence for a more conservative approach and decisions regarding revascularization should be made after discussing the current available data on stroke risk with the patients.
Why is the management of asymptomatic carotid disease so controversial?
Despite level I evidence supporting a role for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in the management of patients with asymptomatic carotid disease, there is surprisingly little international consensus regarding the optimal way to manage these patients.
The Scan That Saved My Life
After decades of exercise and healthy eating, a reporter’s blocked artery came as a shock; the debate over testing to prevent debilitating strokes.
Vascular Cures
As for all artery diseases, there are usually no advanced warning signs for early forms of carotid artery disease. For many individuals, the first obvious sign often is a TIA or mini-stroke.
MedlinePlus
Carotid artery disease often does not cause symptoms until the blockage or narrowing is severe. One sign may be a bruit (whooshing sound) that your doctor hears when listening to your artery with a stethoscope. Another sign is a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a "mini-stroke." A TIA is like a stroke, but it only lasts a few minutes, and the symptoms usually go away within an hour. Stroke is another sign.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Having carotid artery disease raises your risk of having a stroke. Know the warning signs of a stroke—such as weakness and trouble speaking—and what to do if they occur. Call 9–1–1 as soon as symptoms start (do not drive yourself to the hospital).
Introducing Stitches!
Your Path to Meaningful Connections in the World of Health and Medicine
Connect, Collaborate, and Engage!
Coming Soon - Stitches, the innovative chat app from the creators of HWN. Join meaningful conversations on health and medical topics. Share text, images, and videos seamlessly. Connect directly within HWN's topic pages and articles.
