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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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@nycmusic CT calcium scan injects a dye so that the amount of calcified plaque in your heart arteries can be seen. Blockages can also be seen. Based on the results, the doctor may prescribe a statin, and may even order an angiogram to get a real inside look at the arteries. (I've been there, done that with all this!)
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1 Reaction@loriesco It's not the calcium score that you get on a blood test. It's a CT calcium scan that measures the amount of calcified plaque in the arteries that feed your heart muscle. I've already had that, plus an angiogram. It's only this year that my doctor wants to check the carotid just to have it in the record. It wasn't the first thing he looked at, not at all.
Good description of the scan for anyone interested:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/heart-scan/about/pac-20384686
I also have a 70+ blockage of my right carotid artery. I am 82 years old and need advice on possible surgery on that artery or not. My cholesterol readings are normal, Blood pressure normal. I don't won't a stroke either.
What should my next step be. I never smoked either. Thank You
@billw822026 Keep in constant touch with a sympathetic and conscientious cardiologist who will agree to monitoring you at least once annually. At some point, you're going to run into a permanent and untreatable closure of that one side that is already at 70%. If I were in your shoes, I would begin pestering my cardiologist for a stent/bypass just about six weeks ago now. It needn't happen six weeks ago, but maybe in six months your story will change and you are beginning to experience symptoms. So, what I'm suggesting is that you should have that specific discussion with your cardiologist about a timeline, or at least when he/she'll do another scan/imaging and at point point would you need to have an intervention. This information will help to allay any fears you might have growing roots.
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1 Reaction@njx58 thanks for the info…will check out what kind of dye they inject…wishing you the best.
@njx58 no - I am referring to a CCTA test. It SHOWS your doctor each valve. So for example with your calcium score test it is only "predictive" and a general idea of what is going on by using numbers/percentages. But a CCTA shows them what plague build up each of the valves have. So I found 3 of my valves are clear and one is 1/3 blocked. You see?
Key Details About CCTA:Purpose: To detect coronary artery disease (CAD), evaluate chest pain, and measure plaque buildup.Procedure: Requires an injection of iodine-containing contrast material and produces 3D images, which can be reviewed by doctors or, in some cases, analyzed using AI technologies like Cleerly or HeartFlow.Alternative/Related Test: A Coronary Calcium Scan is a simpler, non-contrast CT scan that specifically measures calcified plaque (calcium score) to estimate heart attack risk.CCTA is widely considered a safe, highly accurate, and noninvasive alternative to traditional diagnostic angiography.
@billw822026 we can't diagnose you only a cardiologist can do that! They will take further images to see if surgery is warranted. None of what you suggested is helpful IF you have a genetic predisposition. A cardiologist will order images to be taken of your heart and brain valves and find out IF there is a particular area needing surgery. Or maybe, only suggest a baby aspirin. (wouldn't that be nice!) So your next step is clear. Get your butt into a cardiologist!
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