Everything You Need to Know About Carotid Artery Disease

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The circulatory system is the engine of your existence. Veins, arteries, and capillaries transport nutrients and oxygen to individual body parts, remove waste material from them, and transport it to the excretory organs. Infections may cause blockage of the vessels. Managing carotid artery disease is crucial to good health. Various medical guides flock the internet with sketchy information. However, there are still excellent guides that detail the essential aspects to manage carotid artery disease. Here’s a guide by Dr. Eugene Tanquilut in Tinley Park, which highlights the key components to managing and treating carotid artery disease. Before delving into the possible remedies first, as the doctor would recommend, you need to know what ails you.

What is Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease or carotid artery stenosis is a physiological condition in which the carotid arteries narrow because of plaque build-up in the vessels. Carotids are the two arteries in the neck region that supply oxygenated blood to the head. Carotid artery stenosis causes strokes. A stroke is a cerebrovascular accident that causes a sudden stop of blood flow into the brain. The larger the plaque build-up, the more severe the arterial blockage and sequentially risk of stroke is.

How Do You Know if You Have Carotid Artery Disease?

Imaging tests at the Vascular Specialist’s center in Tinley Park is the guaranteed way to know if you have carotid artery disease. Carotid artery disease does not have superficial symptoms; that’s why it’s important to go for checkups at specialized medical centers periodically. However, look out for the following warning signs:

· Blurred vision

· Sudden dizziness

· Intermittent headache

· Slurred speech

· Difficulty swallowing

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is another attribute of carotid artery disease. Consult with a vascular specialist at a renowned vascular center if you experience any of the above-listed symptoms.

Risk Factors for Carotid Artery Disease

1. Smoking

2. Obesity

3. Sedentary lifestyles

4. High cholesterol composition

5. Diabetes

Carotid artery disease is more prevalent among men than women. Men younger than 75 years are at risk of developing carotid artery stenosis than women in the same age bracket. However, from 75 years and upwards, the inverse holds. A history of coronary artery disease also heightens carotid artery disease.

Carotid Artery Disease Treatment

Treating carotid artery disease takes a varied approach. There is no one size fits all remedy for carotid artery disease. Treatment may involve a blend of lifestyle adjustments, medication, therapy, and surgery. Medical procedures for treating carotid artery disease include:

· Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) – Doctors perform this procedure for individuals who experience carotid atherosclerosis and mild strokes. While under anesthesia, the doctor will make an incision on the neck at the location of the blockage and surgically remove the blockage. Then the specialist will occlude the suture.

· Carotid artery stenting is a minimally invasive procedure involving making a small puncture and inserting a stent inside the carotid artery. Initially, a tiny balloon is inserted into the artery to widen its gap, then the stent is placed to keep it from narrowing again.

Carotid artery disease medications such as aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, and dipyridamole impede blood clots in the arteries. Consult a vascular specialist before taking any antiplatelet medication to prevent worsening carotid blockage.

Outlook

Scheduling a vascular specialist’s appointment is the first important step you’ll take to better your circulatory and overall health. A dedicated team of specialists awaits you at the Vascular Specialists center in Tinley Park. You will get sophisticated treatment with utmost care.

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