As we all know, coronary heart disease is one of the ultimate killers of human beings. The full name of the so-called coronary heart disease is coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. The term consists of three parts; coronary arteries are blood vessels located on the heart that supply blood to the heart’s own muscles, and atherosclerotic means that the lipids in the blood are deposited on the inner walls of the blood vessels, like millet porridge.
And over time, it gets thicker and thicker like water rust on the inside of a water pipe, eventually making the blood vessels narrower and narrower, with less and less blood flow. Even more frightening is the possibility that it will be washed off by the blood flow and various small fragments will enter the blood vessels of the brain, limbs or various organs in the body. Once these fragments block the critical small blood vessels, the lighter the weakness of the hands and feet, the more serious the stroke and brain attack.
This atherosclerosis occurs in the coronary arteries, which is coronary heart disease; and in the carotid arteries, which is the carotid artery stenosis we are talking about today.
As the only channel of blood supply to the head, what happens if the carotid artery is narrowed? Brain ischemia, of course. There are various manifestations of ischemia, the most common of which is dizziness and weakness, in addition to memory loss, cognitive decline, and even serious symptoms such as impaired consciousness and numbness of the limbs.
According to statistics, when the narrowing of blood vessels exceeds 70% and the above symptoms occur, the annual probability of brain attack (also known as stroke) is as high as 10% to 15%.
Therefore, when an elderly person in your family has the above symptoms, please make sure to take him to the hospital for detailed examination!
What tests are needed?
Because carotid artery examinations are not included in the current routine medical checkups, you generally have to go to the hospital for a separate examination.
For now, the following tests are common.
Carotid ultrasound, CT, and various types of angiography (DSA, CTA, etc.). Among them, carotid ultrasound is relatively inexpensive and does not cause damage to the body, and is often used as a screening tool. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) angiography, on the other hand, is used as the most important gold standard for diagnosis because of its ability to accurately show the condition of blood vessels.
In addition, systemic conditions, such as blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar, are very important auxiliary judgment indicators.
How to prevent it in life?
The phenomenon of atherosclerosis is often closely linked to hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. In addition, smoking and alcohol are also important factors that cannot be ignored.
Therefore, for middle-aged and elderly people, the most important thing is to control hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes from the source, and to quit smoking and alcohol as much as possible. On top of that, it is also necessary to control the diet, less oil, salt and spices, more light fruits and vegetables, and at the same time increase exercise to maintain a good figure, which is commonly known as “keep your mouth shut and your legs open”.
The control of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes is very important. In addition to taking medication on time and in the right amount, you can buy a portable blood pressure monitor and blood glucose meter at home to monitor daily if you have the conditions.
What is the risk if prevention is poor?
In the European treatment guidelines for carotid artery stenosis, there is a study that the incidence of carotid artery stenosis is about 1% to 2% for the average elderly person over 60 years of age.
And when he combines four conditions of coronary heart disease, hypertension, smoking, and a family history of carotid stenosis at the same time, the incidence soars to 67%!
Is surgical treatment required?
There are two main types of surgical treatment for carotid stenosis. One is carotid endarterectomy (CEA), which involves stripping the “millet porridge” off the artery wall to restore its original vascular pathway. The other is carotid artery stenting (CAS), in which a stent is placed to open up the narrowed carotid artery, also with the goal of restoring normal blood flow.
However, it is important to note here that the treatment guidelines give only a general overview. The disease is very different for each individual, and it is necessary to consult your doctor to develop the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual case.