How are clogged neck arteries treated?
Ask the doctor
After I had a minor stroke, I had a carotid ultrasound, which showed a nearly 80% blockage in my left carotid artery. How is this condition treated?Treatment for this problem, known as carotid artery stenosis, includes the same lifestyle habits recommended for people with heart disease, like a healthy diet and regular exercise. But cardiologists also prescribe statin drugs and, if needed, additional cholesterol-lowering drugs to get LDL (bad) cholesterol below 70 milligrams per deciliter. This helps to shrink and stabilize the plaque, making it less likely to rupture. Anti-clotting medications such as aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix) are also important, as they help discourage the formation of clots (or at least limit their size).
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About the Author
Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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