The carotid arteries in your neck provide the main supply of blood to the brain. A buildup of plaque in these arteries, narrows the artery, or carotid artery stenosis (CAS), can increase possibility of a stroke.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you have an increased risk for a stroke, carotid artery screening is a an easy noninvasive ultrasound procedure to detect abnormalities in the carotid arteries before other symptoms are present. However, carotid artery stenosis screening is only recommended for those with two or more common risk factors to a stroke. As a rare disease, it can be difficult to determine whether or not one is a good candidate for screening. Here are the signs that this procedure is right for you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Symptoms & Risk Factors<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Having mild symptoms of cardiac disease, such as high blood pressure, may not be enough to qualify you for carotid screening. According to the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association and other healthcare organizations, carotid screening is recommended for those with two or more of the following risk factors:
\u25cf Smoking
\u25cf High blood pressure
\u25cf High cholesterol
\u25cf A first-degree relative with atherosclerosis that developed before age 60
\u25cf A family history of ischemic stroke<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n