Advice about Occluded Internal Carotid Artery, otherwise asymptomatic

Posted by heaviside @heaviside, May 5 8:48am

I am an 81 year old male. On February 12, 2025 I had an episode of amaurosis fugax, which resolved itself with total vision recover in a few hours. Subsequent tests showed that I have a completely occluded right internal carotid artery, and that I had had a stroke sometime in the past. There was no surgery recommended because of the total occlusion. I am currently on a low dose of aspirin, and of course worried about a future stroke. I have high blood sugar and am losing weight and exercising a lot to try to get that down.
Are there other things I should be doing like this to reduce my chances of a future stroke?
Thanks for any advice anyone can offer.

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Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | May 5 11:56am

Hi, @heaviside, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Glad to hear you had a total vision recovery in a few hours after your episode of amaurosis fugax, a temporary loss of vision in one eye.

I thought you might be interested in seeing this story of a patient who experienced this temporary vision loss and a stroke:

- Medication, surgery help Lloyd Heubner quickly recover after stroke
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/medication-surgery-help-lloyd-heubner-quickly-recover-after-stroke/
I'm tagging a few members who may be familiar with amaurosis fugax, learning you've had a stroke sometime in the past and/or situations like the occluded right internal carotid artery you mentioned @hendglenn2000 @feelingthankful @starfirey2k @davej @mick2 @heidemarie @mshutch. Hoping they can share about their own experiences and things that they've found helpful in reducing their chances of future stroke. @jakedduck1 also may have some thoughts for you.

Did your doctor have suggestions about some strategies to reduce your stroke risk, heaviside? If so, will you share those?

heaviside | @heaviside | May 5 3:02pm

hi Lisa. Thanks for the quick reply. Actually the only suggestions I am following about reducing stroke risk come from the web. I have an appointment for a second opinion on the no surgery recommendation, but it is not until March of 2026! I weigh about 145 lbs, my intent is to lose 10 lbs and do a lot of cardio and strength training over the next few months. I have no problem losing weight at about a pound a week, as long as I am motivated, and this episode is a good motivator!
I will take a look at the link you sent along. Again thanks so much.