How to help avoid a stroke

Hopefully, we all know a lot about heart health these days, including the importance of nutritious eating, consistent exercise, limited alcohol and saturated fats and no smoking. Sometimes heredity plays a big role in heart health, too, which makes lifestyle habits and choices even more vital. And today’s surgical techniques and technology are also helping to provide life saving solutions for people who suffer from heart issues, such as carotid artery disease.

Understanding the role of the carotid arteries
They are located on each side of the neck, extending from the heart’s aorta to the base of the skull. They perform the crucial job of supplying blood to the brain.

If the carotid artery lining becomes thickened with plaque
Important blood flow is restricted when the carotid arteries narrow due to plaque build up, sometimes called hardening of the arteries.

Carotid artery disease
Clots can form on the plaque and both can break loose, travel to the brain and block blow flow, sometimes to the point of causing stroke. If a large enough area of the brain is affected, it can cause brain damage and even death. If only a tiny artery is affected, it may cause a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke. Often a TIA is a warning sign that a stroke could occur in the near future, so seek treatment immediately, before a stroke happens.

Surgery to help correct the problem
A carotid endarterectomy can be performed to surgically remove the inner lining of the carotid artery to eliminate the plaque and restore blood flow. The procedure is considered one of the most commonly performed vascular surgeries, and could help prevent a stroke. Though a crucial treatment, carotid endarterectomy is considered quite safe and long lasting; however, plaque can build up again, especially if a healthy lifestyle isn’t adopted:

• Reduce saturated fats, cholesterol and excess calories
• Exercise, especially aerobically
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking

If you have been diagnosed with narrowing of your carotid arteries or TIAs, you should talk to your surgeon. Call for a consultation today:
908-725-8755.