Q. How can I reduce my risk for stroke?
A. Some stroke risk factors are controlled by:
* Eating a healthy diet.
* Exercising regularly.
* No smoking.
* Controlling high blood pressure.
* Controlling high cholesterol.
* Controlling diabetes.
Q. Are women more at risk for stroke than men?
A. Stroke has a disproportionate effect on women. Women account for approximately 50% of the strokes that occur each year, yet they account for 61% of stroke deaths. The explanation may be that stroke risk increases with age and women generally live longer than men. In addition, women on average may be older than men at the time of a stroke.
Q. What if someone goes through the stroke screening process and is found to be within normal limits and then has a stroke soon after?
A. We screen for the leading cause of stroke which is related to plaque buildup in the carotid arteries. However, strokes may also result from a brain hemorrhage or clots from the heart or from other areas of the body. For these types of strokes there are no screenings. Ultrasound is the least expensive and the most accurate type of non-invasive test available at this time.
Q. I've had a stroke or heart attack. Should I have the carotid artery screening?
A. Yes, but you may be able to follow up through your doctor so check with him or her first. Your insurance may cover diagnostic studies if you have a history of the disease.
Q. Can I get rid of plaque within a carotid artery?
A. The main option for removal of atherosclerotic plaque buildup in the carotid arteries is surgery. However, you would not be a candidate for this procedure unless the disease was deemed advanced enough as determined by your physician. Therefore, it is advisable to make the appropriate lifestyle changes and control your risk factors in an effort to slow the progression of the disease.
Q. If I have an abnormal result for the stroke/carotid artery screening, does this mean I will need surgery?
A. No. An abnormal finding for this study means that a problem exists that your physician needs to know about in order to conduct further diagnostic testing. You may need to have medication to control risk factors, make lifestyle changes and be followed up yearly. If the disease is advanced enough, your physician may refer you to a vascular surgeon who can address procedures for a blocked carotid artery.
