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How Rapidly Can Plaque Build Up In Carotid Arteries?

Posted on Mon, 21 Jul 2014

Question: How rapidly can plaque build up in carotid arteries? Also, my cardiologist said after reviewing a current carotid artery ultrasound, that the blockage in my right carotid artery had increased from 40% to 70% from Nov 2013 till XXXXXXX 2014. I cannot take crestor or zetia without bad problems.

Initially, the interventionalist cardiologist said that there many small arteries blocked and it was to dangerous to do surgery---so stent put in. My cardiologist said that my blockages could have started with radiation induced carotid artery stenois from radiation I received when I was six-weeks old and more radiation and cobalt at the time of surgery for thyroid cancer when I was just 20 years old.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rapid built up of atherosclerotic plaque....

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

I have gone through your medical history and understood your concerns. It is true that blocked arteries might have been induced from radiation partially. On the other part, post-menopausal dyslipidemia (changes in lipid profile) can be another cause.

So, taking into account all these contributing factors, I can say that in your case the atherosclerotic plaque can be built up more rapidly than in other women of your age.

I suggest to discuss with your doctor to start progresteron therapy. Furthermore, conducting healthy lifestyle and diet changes can also help prevent further stenosis.

Hope it was of help! Let me know if I can assist you further!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (3 hours later)

I have been on progesterone therapy for many years. I had listed it in my medication list.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Great....

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

It's great that you started progesterone therapy. That will reduce chances for further development of atherosclerotic plaques. Please bare in mind that female hormones are having protective effect for atherosclerotic diseases.

Statistics show lower rates of atherosclerosis among premenopausal females. Such risk is increased when menopause occurs (naturally or due to surgical removal of uterus). That's why hormonal replacement helps relieve the symptoms of menopause and to prevent further spread of atherosclerosis.

If anything unclear, do not hesitate to write me back!
Dr.Benard

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj