Here’s how to know when to get those arteries checked:
If You’ve Been Given a Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosis
The first reason you should consider having your carotid arteries checked is if you have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease at any point in your life. Coronary artery disease commonly occurs when plaque inside the arteries of your heart begins to build up and slow the supply of blood to your heart. Being diagnosed with coronary artery disease very frequently leads to a subsequent diagnosis of carotid artery disease.
So in order to ensure that you have a clear picture of where your body is health-wise, be sure to follow up that diagnosis with a carotid artery checkup.
If You Are at Risk For or Have Previously Had a Stroke
Strokes can be caused in multiple ways, from hemorrhagic strokes and transient ischemic attacks to full ischemic strokes—which are those that are caused by the narrowed arteries that are all too common in carotid artery disease diagnoses. Using advanced carotid ultrasounds, it can be determined whether your carotid arteries had something to do with your recent stroke (or are putting you at risk of having one). As such, having a carotid artery checkup can be of massive benefit.
If You Are Experiencing the Symptoms of a Transient Ischemic Attack
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are also known as “mini-strokes,” which happen when you temporarily experience some of the usual symptoms of a stroke, such as facial numbness, slurred speech, and dizziness. However, in the case of transient ischemic attacks rather than full-on strokes, the symptoms go away within a day without any medical help. As you might imagine, getting your carotid arteries checked during or after a recent TIA can often help stop a full ischemic stroke before it happens.
Keep Your Carotid Arteries Healthy With Premier Heart & Vein Care
If you have any reason to believe that there may be something wrong with your carotid arteries, don’t hesitate to contact Premier Heart & Vein Care today at 805-540-3333. Under the industry-leading and expert care of board-certified Dr. Stevens, patients throughout San Luis Obispo, CA, and the surrounding areas have found the help that they need.
