Evaluating Carotid Stenosis to Prevent Stroke

Stroke accounts for about 14% of deaths globally, making it the second leading cause. While not all strokes are fatal, these cardiovascular events can lead to a range of complications. 

Carotid stenosis, also known as carotid artery stenosis, is a major stroke risk factor. Evaluating this condition can lead to helpful treatment that may save your life.

Board-certified neurologist Dr. Farhad Elyaderani and his team in New Rochelle and Yonkers, New York, use carotid ultrasound to assess your stroke risk and protect your health.

Here, we delve into carotid stenosis, including effective means of evaluation.

Carotid artery stenosis basics

You have two carotid arteries. These large blood vessels carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your head and neck. When you have carotid artery stenosis, a fatty substance called plaque has blocked one of these arteries. You can also develop bilateral carotid stenosis, in which both of your carotids are blocked. 

The plaque buildup, also known as atherosclerosis, raises your risk for stroke and related complications – increasingly, over time.

Evaluating carotid stenosis 

Diagnosis for carotid stenosis often requires a physical exam, blood pressure test, and neurological exam. Your providers will also talk to you about your family and personal medical history and your lifestyle habits. 

If your doctor suspects you have carotid stenosis, they may order a non-invasive imaging test, such as an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound, to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. These tests can also assess the severity of your arterial blockage. 

A blockage of less than 50% is considered mild. A moderately congested carotid artery is 50-79% blocked. The most severe cases of carotid stenosis involve a blockage of 80-99%.

While your stroke risk is low with mild carotid stenosis, getting diagnosed early helps ensure preventive care to keep it from worsening.

What to expect at your carotid artery screening

After an exam, Dr. Elyaderani may recommend a carotid artery screening using ultrasound if you are:

• 40 or older, with at least two cardiovascular disease risk factors
• Have high blood pressure or cholesterol
• May have coronary bypass surgery

During your carotid ultrasound, you’ll lie on your back while a technician applies gel and then moves a handheld device over the area. This painless test only takes 15-30 minutes.

Once Dr. Elyaderani has reviewed your results, he’ll talk to you about your next best steps. Based on your level of blockage, your recommended treatment may involve lifestyle changes and medication. 

Severe carotid stenosis may require surgery to remove plaque and guard against stroke.

To learn more about carotid stenosis evaluation or get started with stroke prevention care, call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani or request an appointment online today.