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Blockage of carotid artery with no intervention till 80% blocked?

Posted by starfirey2k @starfirey2k, Nov 16, 2019

just a quick question, I have been diagnosed with a blockage in my carotid artery right side, had ultrasound, cat scan and since an MRI, my question is this, I have been told the blockage is 70-75 percent, also that they will not do anything until it is 80% as per the insurance company. I have done extensive reading on this and cannot find anything pointing to the 80% rule. I would rather have something done now rather than wait till I am older and maybe not be able to handle it then, I am 68 now, if anyone has had this done can you shed some light on this? is there a 80% rule? any info on this would be great, thank you for your help.

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Profile picture for dispen11
dispen11 | @dispen11 | Jul 27 2:55pm
In reply to @tskeane "Hi. I hope someone can lead me to the right person. I have a 100% blocked..." + (show)
Profile picture for tskeane @tskeane

Hi. I hope someone can lead me to the right person. I have a 100% blocked right carotid artery. It has been blocked for 2 years. This week I had an eye exam and was found to have Ocular Ischemic Syndrome where my right eye is not getting enough blood flow because of the blocked carotid artery. The ophthalmologist said blood flow needs to be restored to my eye. My cardiologist has said there is nothing that can be done for a 100% blocked carotid artery. I am checking here to find out if anyone knows of a specialist in this area and what if any treatment options are available. Thank you.

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@tskeane why on earth has your physician not sent you to a vascular specialist to have an endarterectomy or a stent placement?

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Profile picture for jenatsky
jenatsky | @jenatsky | Aug 2 11:40am

What do you think of this from AI:
Blockage Thresholds by Symptom Status
Symptomatic Patients (Recent TIA or Stroke):Surgery is generally considered for blockages of 50% to 69%.Surgery is strongly recommended for blockages of 70% to 99%.“Carotid endarterectomy is typically recommended for patients who have had a prior TIA or mild stroke to reduce the risk of future strokes.”, as noted by Atrium Health Navicent.Asymptomatic Patients (No Recent Symptoms):Blockages under 60% are usually managed with medicine and lifestyle changes alone.Surgery is typically considered only if the blockage is 60% to 80% or greater, and depends on overall health risks.“Carotid endarterectomy is mainly for people whose carotid arteries are blocked 50 percent or more.”
So the bigger question is what are your symptoms related to the blockage?

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