It is important to note, that you may not have any symptoms. However, there
may be warning signs. The following could be signs you’ve suffered a
‘mini-stroke’ or TIA (transient ischemic attack). These should be taken
seriously and should be considered an emergency:
Trouble swallowing
Difficulty speaking; slurring
speech
Blurred vision or possibly
loss of vision- may affect one or both eyes
Dizziness; clumsiness
Mental confusion; inability
to understand the speech of others
Numbness on one side of your
body in the arm, leg, or face; weakness in these areas
Should YOU change your lifestyle?
Whether you’ve suffered from a stroke, are at risk, or just want to make a
few lifestyle adjustments to help ensure a healthier life, you can implement
the following changes:
Begin an exercise program,
preferably walking.
Maintain a healthy diet low
in saturated fats and processed foods
Get regular physical
examinations by your health care professional
Maintain a healthy weight
Control high blood pressure
and high cholesterol
Limit alcohol consumption
Quit smoking
Diagnosis of Carotid Artery Disease
As previously stated, this disease may have no symptoms. Your doctor will
determine if you are at risk by reviewing your medical and family history. If
you are at risk, your doctor will use his stethoscope to listen to the arteries
on each side of your neck. He is listening for the sound of your blood rushing
through your arteries. If he detects an abnormal sound, it may indicate a
blockage. If this is the case, he may order other tests, such as an angiogram,
an ultrasound, or a CT scan (commonly called ‘cat’ scan).
An angiogram,
also called arteriogram, involves insertion of a catheter into a blood vessel
of one of the extremities and guiding it into the carotid artery. Dye is
injected to show up on the x-rays and determine if you have a blockage. The
x-rays will give a picture of the blood flowing through the vessel. An ultrasound
uses sound waves to view the image of your carotid arteries and determine if
there is a narrowing in the passages. A probe is placed over the artery to
determine the amount of blood flow. A CT
scan is generally performed on the brain if a stroke has occurred or is
suspected. This test will determine if there are any damaged areas of the
brain. It will also show the location and extent of any brain injury.