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69% blockage of carotid artery
I just had a scan of my carotid artery. The results were 59%-69% blocked on my right carotid artery. I had a TIA 15 years ago. My cardiologist suggested taking baby aspirin daily. But upon reading that anyone with a 70% blockage should see a vascular surgeon. I am waiting to book an appointment with the surgeon. I’ve had pain on my right arm when I ride my bike. Is this cause for concern. Anybody gone through this?
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Will docs test the carotid if you don’t have symptoms ? Strokes sneak up on people, and I want to avoid that !
@nycmusic Yes.
@njx58 you can ask your cardiologist.
@carolman210 preferably a vascular surgeon
@carolman210 hi, thanks for your responses…i don’t have a cardiologist and don’t know a vascular surgeon. I just think that I want to check, as the thought of a debilitating stroke is scary, especially at my age.
@nycmusic The carotid artery is only one place to check. You should get a cardiologist and have a CT calcium scan to check for plaque in the major heart arteries.
@njx58 thanks for this info. I have had chest CT s as part of cancer follow -ups……is a CT Calcium scan different ?
@carolman210 I don’t understand how a calcium score tells you about the percentage of blockage that doesn’t sound right to me. An ultrasound test that takes a three-dimensional picture of your carotid artery shows you the amount of blockage.. And the person above who wrote that baby aspirin was just a doctor covering his ass I don’t believe that either baby aspirin have a purpose and that’s to keep the blood thin to avoid blood clots forming. You should have your LPa tested for familial coronary artery disease. If it runs in your family, keep your cholesterol as low as you can and see a cardiologist once a year if you have a high calcium score.