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Contents
  • Medications
  • Carotid Artery Stenting
  • Lifestyle Changes
  • Ongoing Monitoring

Beyond Surgery: Other Treatments for Carotid Artery Disease

Beyond Surgery: Other Treatments for Carotid Artery Disease

Options to Consider

While surgery is often recommended for severe carotid artery disease, there are other treatment options available. Your doctor will consider factors like the severity of your condition and your overall health when recommending a treatment plan.
Contents
  • Medications
  • Carotid Artery Stenting
  • Lifestyle Changes
  • Ongoing Monitoring

Medications

Several types of medications can help manage carotid artery disease. Antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel can reduce the risk of blood clots. Statins lower cholesterol and may help stabilize plaque. Blood pressure medications are often prescribed to keep your arteries healthy.

Carotid Artery Stenting

This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a small tube (stent) into the carotid artery to prop it open. It's done through a small incision, usually in the groin. Stenting may be an option for people who are at high risk for surgery.
Carotid artery disease is a condition where the carotid arteries narrow, increasing the risk of stroke. Treatment options include medications and procedures like carotid artery stenting.

Lifestyle Changes

Making healthy lifestyle choices is crucial for managing carotid artery disease. This includes quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. These changes can slow the progression of the disease and reduce your risk of complications.

Ongoing Monitoring

For some patients with mild to moderate carotid artery disease, careful monitoring may be recommended. This involves regular check-ups and imaging tests to track the progression of the disease. If it worsens, more aggressive treatment may be needed.

FAQs

Can carotid artery disease be reversed?

Progression can be slowed, sometimes reversed with treatment.

How effective are medications?

They significantly reduce stroke risk for many patients.

Is stenting as good as surgery?

It depends on individual factors; discuss with your doctor.

Can diet alone treat carotid disease?

Diet helps but often needs to be combined with other treatments.

How often should I have follow-up tests?

Typically every 6-12 months, but varies by individual.

Personalized Approach

The best treatment for carotid artery disease depends on your individual situation and should be tailored to your needs.
Explore your treatment options with Doctronic to find the best approach for your carotid artery health.
Additional References
  1. Brott TG, et al. Stroke. 2011;42(1):e464-e540.
  2. Meschia JF, et al. Stroke. 2014;45(12):3754-3832.
  3. Kernan WN, et al. Stroke. 2014;45(7):2160-2236.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.