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 Stroke
is a devastating disease that takes the life of 160,000 Americans annually and leaves many more with long term mental and
physical disability. A stroke can occur in a variety of ways; however, 87% of all strokes occur due to clots that block
arteries in the brain. Carotid Artery Disease is the leading cause of these clots.
The Carotid Arteries are the large blood vessels on either side of the neck that supply blood to the head and brain.
Carotid Artery Disease develops as plaque quietly accumulates over time within these arteries. Plaque build-up
(atherosclerosis) can begin as early as
childhood and often occurs without symptoms until it breaks loose and is carried to smaller arteries in the brain
causing a stroke. Unfortunately, half of all stroke victims had no symptoms to indicate they were at risk for stroke.
The good news is; if identified early, up to 80% of strokes can be prevented!
Ultrasound scanning of the carotid arteries is the single best predictor of stroke and heart disease.
It is important to note that studies have shown that those with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in the carotid arteries are
not only at a higher risk for stroke, but also a higher risk of coronary heart disease.
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