Carotid artery stenosis - self-care (2024)

FAQs

Carotid artery stenosis - self-care? ›

There is no easy way to unclog an artery once plaque has built up. However, dietary choices, exercise, and avoiding smoking can improve cardiovascular health and stop blockages from worsening. In some cases, medication or surgery may be necessary.

There is no easy way to unclog an artery once plaque has built up. However, dietary choices, exercise, and avoiding smoking can improve cardiovascular health and stop blockages from worsening. In some cases, medication or surgery may be necessary.

A stent, a wire mesh tube, may be inserted along with the balloon and left in place to help keep the artery expanded. Balloon angioplasty and stent procedures are recommended only for patients who aren't candidates for conventional surgery.

Plaque buildup takes many years, even decades. But as your arteries narrow, you may notice mild symptoms. These symptoms mean your heart is pumping harder to deliver oxygen-rich blood to your body.

Tea is packed with phytonutrients (plant chemicals) called flavonoids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and buildup in your arteries. Black and green tea also contain more moderate amounts of caffeine than coffee (about half the amount per cup), so it's a great option for people who are sensitive to that.

Optimal Vitamin K₂ intake is crucial to avoid the calcium plaque buildup of atherosclerosis, thus keeping the risk and rate of calcification as low as possible. Matrix GLA protein (MGP)—found in the tissues of the heart, kidneys, and lungs—plays a dominant role in vascular calcium metabolism.

1. Fish. Fatty or oily fish such as salmon and tuna are a great source of omega-3 fats, compounds which have been shown in studies to reduce the amount of plaque which sticks in your arteries. These healthy fats also have anti-inflammatory properties which can help with many aspects of your overall health.

The options include: Carotid endarterectomy. This is the most common treatment for severe carotid artery disease. After cutting along the front of the neck, a surgeon opens the blocked carotid artery and removes the plaques.

Avoid foods that are processed, and high in saturated and trans-fats. When diet and exercise are not enough to control cholesterol, you may need medicines. Lower blood sugar. High blood sugar (glucose) can cause damage and inflammation to the lining of the carotid arteries.

Can you feel if your carotid artery is blocked? ›

In its early stages, carotid artery disease often doesn't have symptoms. The condition might not be obvious until it's serious enough to deprive the brain of blood, causing a stroke or TIA . Symptoms of a stroke or TIA include: Sudden numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, often on one side of the body.

The progression of carotid stenosis conveys an even greater stroke risk. Previous largescale studies have found that ∼20% of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis will experience disease progression within 10 years.

There is no fast way to unclog arteries once plaque has built up. The best evidence for stabilizing and regressing plaque is with a combination of cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins along with healthy lifestyle habits.

A: Yes. There have been several clinical studies — many of them done here at Cleveland Clinic — that show statins can reverse plaque buildup. Two statins in particular, atorvastatin, which is sold under the brand name Lipitor, and rosuvastatin, which is sold under the brand name Crestor, are the strongest statins.

Carotidynia, also known as Fay syndrome or TIPIC Syndrome, is a rare vascular disorder that presents with atypical pain in the face and neck area. The disorder is classified as an idiopathic neck pain syndrome, which is associated with point tenderness over the carotid artery bifurcation.

Chelation therapy is hyped as a way to clean out the arteries by dissolving cholesterol-filled plaque. This is based on wishful thinking, not science. Apple cider vinegar is a terrific ingredient in foods, sauces, and dressings. It isn't medicine.

Making certain changes to your diet and exercise habits can help treat carotid artery disease. These healthy changes can also help you maintain a healthy weight and manage high blood pressure and cholesterol. Eat a healthy, low-fat diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

During a carotid endarterectomy, your healthcare provider will surgically remove plaque that builds up inside the carotid artery. He or she will make a cut (incision) on the side of the neck over the affected carotid artery. The artery is opened and the plaque removed.