Connect
Increased velocity of external carotid artery
My US Carotid Artery Duplex test showed the right and left interior arteries normal but had increase velocity in the right exterior and recommended a CTA with contrast. I have weakened kidney with GFR of 30 and therefore contrast is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. I reached out to my cardiologist for recommendations, and he said since I haven't experienced any mini strokes or strokes and advised to not do anything, just keep monitoring. I don't want to wait until I have a stroke to do anything when I could take steps to prevent one. Is there a test without contrast that I could perform on the exterior carotid artery that would tell why the increased velocity?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.
Connect
Yes, a Doppler ultrasound is a reasonable substitute, although not as good.
https://www.docube.in/blog/when-you-need-carotid-doppler-scan
Looking for anyone who has experience TAVR. I have sever aortic synopsis. Can you give an idea what to expect if I have this procedure. Thank you.
My then 93 year old father had it done. It was no big deal. I believe he had to stay one night, but my memory is foggy. It's not normally open-heart, but done via a catheter inserted into the femoral artery (so you'll need to be shaved down 'there', at least on the one side, but perhaps both sides of your groin in case they need to access via that route at the same time). This makes it 'day surgery'.
https://www.healthline.com/health/heart/tavr-procedure#procedure
You'll get instructions and a date and time sent to you. Follow those to the letter. Ask questions rather than assume or guess. The worst part of any procedure is the unknown and expectations....meaning usually some anxiety. They won't hurt you. They want to wave good-bye with smiles all around. It's painless, although you'll lack energy and 'zip' for the next few days until your system recognizes that you're better and not in danger. Take your time and listen to your body. When you feel really well, you'll know it when you awaken that one morning. 😀