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Please Advise How I Should Think Of The Cartoid Artery Scan Results
Question: I had a cartoid artery scan done and results are attached. It shows mean IMT gone up from 4 years back. Also plaque is 1.8 vs less than 1.3 from 4 years back. I had a cardiac calcium score done 6 months back and the score is zero. Pls advise how I should think of the cartoid artery scan results. Should I do any more tests ? Pls give me your detailed thoughts. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Based on your test report I would explain that it shows an increased cardiovascular risk ( increased risk for future stroke), because there is a mild progression in the atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries.
For this reason I recommend taking a statin (rosuvastatin 20mg daily or atorvastatin 80mg daily) in order to reduce maximally your cholesterol levels.
I would also recommend following a healthy lifestyle ( Mediterranean diet, low fat intake, no smoking, no alcohol, a lot regular physical activity) in order to reduce your cardiovascular risk further.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal in case of further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, cardiologist
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Based on your test report I would explain that it shows an increased cardiovascular risk ( increased risk for future stroke), because there is a mild progression in the atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries.
For this reason I recommend taking a statin (rosuvastatin 20mg daily or atorvastatin 80mg daily) in order to reduce maximally your cholesterol levels.
I would also recommend following a healthy lifestyle ( Mediterranean diet, low fat intake, no smoking, no alcohol, a lot regular physical activity) in order to reduce your cardiovascular risk further.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal in case of further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your response.
Previously I had tried Statins but I get a headache with them.
1) Are there any non statin alternatives
2)My 2019 results showed mean IMT of 0.8 which was higher than their alert value of 0.73. This in spite of virtually no plaque in 2019. Does it mean my carotid artery is naturally thick to start with.
3)Should I get a doppler ultrasound done for the carotid artery showing blood flow etc.
4)My cardiac calcium score is zero. Does this mean carotid artery plaque is non calcified and probably very small.
5)Are there any supplements that can slow down the increase in plaque over time.
Thank you for your point wise response.
Previously I had tried Statins but I get a headache with them.
1) Are there any non statin alternatives
2)My 2019 results showed mean IMT of 0.8 which was higher than their alert value of 0.73. This in spite of virtually no plaque in 2019. Does it mean my carotid artery is naturally thick to start with.
3)Should I get a doppler ultrasound done for the carotid artery showing blood flow etc.
4)My cardiac calcium score is zero. Does this mean carotid artery plaque is non calcified and probably very small.
5)Are there any supplements that can slow down the increase in plaque over time.
Thank you for your point wise response.
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I understand your concern and would explain that a possible alternative to statins is Ezetimibe.
From the other hand, starting at a low dose statins and increase slowly can help reduce adverse effects.
A Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries would be helpful to examine the atherosclerotic plaques better and the blood flow in them. I don’t think that your carotid arteries are thick to start with.
The calcium score is a prognostic factor for coronary arteries, not related to the carotid arteries.
Omega 3 fatty acids supplements and a healthy diet and lifestyle can help reduce the progression of atherosclerotic plaques.
Hope to have answered to your questions!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I understand your concern and would explain that a possible alternative to statins is Ezetimibe.
From the other hand, starting at a low dose statins and increase slowly can help reduce adverse effects.
A Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries would be helpful to examine the atherosclerotic plaques better and the blood flow in them. I don’t think that your carotid arteries are thick to start with.
The calcium score is a prognostic factor for coronary arteries, not related to the carotid arteries.
Omega 3 fatty acids supplements and a healthy diet and lifestyle can help reduce the progression of atherosclerotic plaques.
Hope to have answered to your questions!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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