Vital Carotid Artery Disease Treatment in Northern CA
The early diagnosis and treatment of carotid artery disease gives you the best chance of avoiding serious health complications, such as stroke. Carotid arteries are the two main blood vessels that supply your brain with fresh, oxygen-rich blood. Carotid artery disease describes the gradual blocking of these arteries by plaque buildup.
Dignity Health North State provides knowledgeable care for many cardiovascular conditions, including carotid artery disease. Find a Doctor today to discuss the most effective carotid artery disease treatments in Northern California. You can also take our online heart health assessment to learn more about your risk of carotid artery disease.
Treating Carotid Artery Disease at Dignity Health North State
The goal of carotid artery disease treatment is to increase the supply of oxygen-rich blood to your brain. This lowers your risk of stroke, and helps you avoid the loss of brain tissue from oxygen deprivation.
Your Dignity Health North Shore doctor will talk to you about these common treatment strategies:
- Lifestyle changes — quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a heart-healthy diet can help keep your condition from getting worse and improve your overall health
- Medications — prescription medicines can treat underlying causes of carotid artery disease (elevated blood sugar or cholesterol levels, high blood pressure) and lower your risk of stroke
- Surgery — surgically implanting one or more stents after an angioplasty, or removing the plaque-clogged lining of carotid arteries (endarterectomy), can improve blood supply to your brain
Choosing the Right Treatment Option for You
If you have suffered a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), your doctor may recommend surgery. However, a more conservative approach is usually advised for patients who have not had such complications.
Your doctor’s recommendation for the best treatment for you will take into account your age, overall health, and your personal preference. Be sure to discuss the risks, benefits, and likely outcomes of each treatment option before you make your final decision.
Carotid Artery Disease Prevention
The following steps can help you lower your risk of developing carotid artery disease:
- Treat related heart disease conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
- Live a heart-healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, and eat a nutritious diet.
- Lose weight, if necessary.
- Quit smoking.
- Tightly control your blood sugar levels if you have type 2 diabetes.
Did you know that you can access your health records, lab and imaging results, and educational information specific to your care at any time online? Learn more about Dignity Health Online Patient Center.
Dignity Health North State doctors provide expert care through many innovative therapies, including carotid artery disease treatment, in Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA.