|
 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. Strokes 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. 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.
|