Understanding Carotid Artery Disease

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, your overall health matters to us, and it starts with caring for your heart.

Our cardiology and vascular team at CardioVascular Health Clinic specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing various vascular and cardiovascular conditions, including carotid artery disease.

Our providers are experienced in identifying the signs and risk factors of carotid artery disease and stroke and are committed to your long-term heart health.

Let’s discuss carotid artery disease in more detail, including its potential symptoms and effective treatment options to prevent stroke.

What Is Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease is a blockage of carotid arteries that move blood to the brain and head.

Fatty deposits called plaque build up in these blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke by reducing blood flow, producing blood clot blockages, or a plaque rupture.

Causes and Symptoms of a Carotid Artery

Carotid artery disease develops over time with the gradual accumulation of plaque in the carotid arteries and may not present any symptoms in the early stages.

These clogged arteries are stiff and unable to move oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the brain.

The first sign of carotid artery disease is often a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke.

The signs of a stroke are

Face drooping: Is one side of the face starting to droop or become numb? When asked to smile, is the person’s smile uneven or lopsided?
Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech: Is speech slurred? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is the person unable to speak or difficult to understand?

If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if they seem to go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.

A stroke can also display several other sudden symptoms, including

Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
Confusion, difficulty speaking, or garbled speech
Difficulty seeing with one or both eyes
Difficulty walking, sudden dizziness or loss of balance or coordination
Severe headache with no apparent cause

Carotid artery disease is difficult to detect before a stroke occurs. If you are concerned that you or a loved one has suffered a TIA or a stroke, call 911 immediately.

Carotid Artery Disease Treatment

One of the most effective treatment options for carotid artery disease is Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR). A TCAR procedure involves removing plaque from the carotid artery to reduce the risk of stroke.

During your initial exam, one of our experienced providers will conduct a thorough family history, medical history, and physical examination to determine the presence of carotid artery disease or your risk of developing it.

They may also order several tests, including an ultrasound, CT, MRI, or angiography, to determine if TCAR or another treatment option is right for you.

Other recommended treatment options for carotid artery disease may include regular prescription medication and lifestyle changes.

These treatment plans aim to slow any atherosclerosis (artery hardening), control your blood pressure, and remove any existing blockages.

Don’t wait for a stroke to discover if you have carotid artery disease.

Call CardioVascular Health Clinic today at (405) 701-9880 to schedule an appointment or schedule online.

Testimonials

Some of the nicest staff that I have ever dealt with!! They have been so incredibly awesome to my mom!! Would definitely recommend them to anyone!! Thank you so much for being so great with her!!

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Christy G.

The staff, the nurses, and Dr. Parsons were all amazing. Everything was simple and went well – very Bravo Zulu (military phrase meaning "well done"). In addition to the great staff at CardioVascular Health Clinic, the facilities were clean and well maintained. I have no complaints about anything. The whole experience was A1. I would recommend Dr. Parsons to anyone. He made a huge impact on my life.

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John W.

I’m about one month out and things are so much better. At my two week evaluation my symptom score had gone from a 27 to a 7, and I’m sure it’s even better now. That speaks volumes. Now that I’m post recovery, there is no incontinence, I go to the bathroom much less and there are no ED side effects like there are with other procedures. In regard to my quality of life, well, I don’t maintain my life based on my proximity to a bathroom anymore.

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Blaine P., M.D.

Professional staff working in a beautiful facility with great doctors who sincerely care about their patients. Without Dr. Schmidt's skill, I would have needed heart bypass surgery instead of a stent. Follow-up has been thorough. I can't recommend them highly enough.

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LeAnn H.

Dr. Jim Melton and all the staff are fantastic. He is an excellent surgeon and his team is GREAT!!!! I just had surgery at the surgery center, I have only great things to say about my experience. Without him I really don't think I would be here to write this. If you’re looking for a good cardiovascular team, they are a 5 star for sure.

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Susie H.

Dr. Parsons and staff are amazing. He truly listened to me from the consult. Staff showed genuine care for my progress post procedure. I had my follow up appointment today so satisfied with results. Blake made me comfortable from the start. He is an activist for uterine fibroids treatment beyond the standard.

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Tamara M.

Professional and caring staff. Dr. Smith is very knowledgeable and shows genuine concern for your personal health. I enjoyed the background music in the procedure room, it really adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

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David L.

Dr. John Schrader is the most personable doctor we know. He stays on top of my dads health care and is genuinely concerned about his health. We never leave his office with questions. He answers them all. Even questions we don’t think of. Always professional but never cold or bad bedside manner. In our opinion he is THE BEST around.
Thank you Dr Schrader.

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Kathy J.

I came to Dr. Warren by a self referral for mals when it took me 8yrs 50+ doctors and thousands of dollars spent on no answers. My first visit I was scared I was just going to be gaslighted just like the past however I was pleasantly shocked when Dr. Warren immediately believed me. She took the time to review many disk I had brought from past tests. She never once dismissed me and listened to ever word I had to say. She scheduled one last test to confirm the diagnosis then I was scheduled for surgery right away. Surgery was a success and I can’t thank her and her staff enough. Dr. Warren truly saved my life.

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Angie W.

Dr. Garner literally saved my life 18 months ago and I've followed him to his new practice with Cardiovascular Health. He explains things so clearly, listens and is just a very nice person. His staff is great, too! I highly recommend!

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D Watts