For: Carotid Artery Disease
It is important to receive a regular carotid artery screening if you are at risk for the disease. Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty deposits called plaque clog your carotid arteries. Your carotid arteries are a pair of blood vessels that deliver blood to your brain and head. The buildup of plaque in these arteries blocks the blood supply to your brain and increases your risk of stroke. Because carotid artery disease develops slowly and often goes unnoticed, the first outward clue that you have the condition may be a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini stroke. A carotid artery screening can help detect this condition in its early stages and prevent larger strokes.
Four out of five stroke victims have carotid artery disease and have no apparent symptoms or warning signs for having a stroke. Stroke is the number one cause of long-term disability in adults. A stroke, also known as a "brain attack," is caused by a disruption in the flow of blood to an area of the brain. Strokes may be caused by either a clot or a burst blood vessel, but either one can cause brain cells to die and create permanent brain damage. The exact damage caused depends on the area of the brain that is harmed, but can include vital functions like memory, speech, and movement. The best way to prevent brain injury from a stroke is to have frequent tests that monitor the health of your brain, and checking for possible risk factors that might indicate future problems.
Find out about other health screenings that HealthFair offers today.
What are the Warning Signs of Carotid Artery Disease?
In its early stages, carotid artery disease often doesn't produce any signs or symptoms. You may not know you have carotid artery disease until it's serious enough to deprive your brain of blood.
If that happens, you may develop signs and symptoms of a stroke or TIA — an early warning sign of a future stroke. All symptoms of a stroke share one important characteristic-- they appear suddenly. These signs and symptoms may include:
If you experience or observe any of these symptoms of a stroke, call 911 immediately!
Even if the signs and symptoms last only a short while (usually less than an hour but, technically, anything less than 24 hours) and then you feel normal, tell your doctor right away. What you may have experienced is a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a temporary shortage of blood to your brain. A TIA is an important sign that you're at high risk of having a full-blown stroke, so don't ignore it!
How do I know if I’m At Risk?
Risk factors for carotid artery disease are:
Prevention:
If you have any of the above risk factors, then get screened today!
Often times, lifestyle changes and medical management are effective at slowing the progression of blockage and preventing stroke. There are few clear ways to reduce your risk for a stroke, but medical professionals agree that tests can reveal early warning signs. These warning signs can help you and your family be prepared for a stroke, recognize the symptoms of a stroke faster, and get help in time to limit the damage.
HealthFair provides mobile screening services that can help determine your risk for a stroke. Our screenings are completely confidential, and all appointments are conducted in our comfortable and mobile units. A full roster of tests takes less than an hour and can be scheduled at your convenience.