Connect
Blockage of carotid artery with no intervention till 80% blocked?
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.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases Support Group.
Connect
@brihug - it seems like the watch and wait approach is really tough for a lot of Mayo Clinic Connect members. I think most patients would rather be doing something proactive to ensure that a carotid artery blockage (or any other medical issue identified) is under control.
@tskeane - did you find something that could be done for you 100% blocked carotid artery?
@heidemarie - how are you doing?
Tagging @starfirey2k to see how they are doing with the watch and wait after a blockage was discovered. @davej @predictable @mick2 @jakedduck1 also may have some thoughts to share on waiting till a doctor says it's time to do something.
@lisalucier
Thanks for the follow up. My condition is good. My life is basically unchanged. I had a follow up scan (about 6 months later) and things basically the same. I have another in another 6 months. So, I continue to wait until such time as the vascular surgeon says it’s time to do something. I don’t have symptoms related to possible stroke and other vitals are all good. In reading the comments of others, they seem to have the same concerns as I did, but I also see the treatment regiment they describe is also pretty much the same, ie: nothing done about a 100% blocked artery, and surgery on other artery at a greater blockage percentage than I have now. This gives me at least some comfort, as it seems that what can be done, is being done. Thanks again for reaching out.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi @brihug - just wanted to check back with you and see how the watching and waiting time is going after the diagnosis of the occluded left carotid artery? How have your nerves been with this time?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi, @brihug - I moved your discussion on occluded carotid artery where the doctor says they do nothing here to this existing discussion of blocked carotid artery so you can chat with others discussing this topic. Hoping members such as @dvh @predictable @lizthebrit @jessica79 @applesforall5370 @jakedduck1 @starfirey2k @davej will respond and let you know any thoughts they have about the doctor's input regarding not doing anything with your occluded left carotid artery with no symptoms.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI was diagnosed with occluded left carotid artery. Vascular surgeon said they don’t do anything in this case as they “ don’t have control of both ends” and surgery in this case could result in particles of the calcium deposits traveling to my brain and doing damage. My question is: is it common for a surgeon to do nothing in this case? I have had no symptoms….no headaches, dizziness, weakness etc. My statin dosage was recently increased and vascular surgeon said to begin taking baby aspirin a day. Doing nothing makes me nervous about the future.
Get all your options surgery or stenting it.
Get another perspective. I have been to Mayo myself they will figure out what would be best for you.
My son is hemipalegic from his stroke. He has some blockage in the left one, but so far they’re just keeping an eye on it. He takes Crestor 40mg and Fenofibrate 20 mg. So far, so good. Sounds like you’re making good choices with diet, etc. We’re trying to trust the Lord that he’ll be able to walk by himself again some day.
My carotid artery is 100% blocked and I know nothing can be. I am lucky that my left artery is taking over. The artery is calcified but I was told nothing on that side needs to done. Was very lucky have just minor problems. Changing the food I am eating hoping to get healthier
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionMy son had a stroke in 2017. His right carotid is now 100% closed and they can’t do anything when it gets to that level. I’d advise having it taken care of before that happens. Maybe get another opinion.
During my stroke surgery ( removal of clot from brain) my surgeon placed a stent in my right carotid artery. Since then I have had 6 months tests on both carotids. Mine are blocked around 65% I am now required to see my surgeon ONLY EVERY YEAR. I feel that my safety net has been removed. As I left the last appointment he reminded me of the stroke symptoms and said if any to head straight to the Mayo Clinic. I feel like I am a walking time bomb with a timer that is not being checked now! I trust his judgement ( he saved my life) but the psychological aspect of living this way weighs heavily and is scary. Can I insist that the 6 month tests resume?