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Silent Stroke Threat: Neck Artery Scan Offers Hope
9 Dec
Summary
- Neck artery narrowing is a symptom-free stroke risk factor.
- Carotid stenting reduced stroke risk by nearly half in a trial.
- Carotid Doppler ultrasounds detect blockages non-invasively.
Strokes remain a critical public health concern in India, but many can be prevented. A frequently overlooked cause is the gradual narrowing of carotid arteries in the neck due to plaque buildup, often without any symptoms. This silent condition can lead to severe consequences if a plaque ruptures or a clot forms, blocking blood flow to the brain.
The CREST-2 trial provided new insights, revealing that individuals with severe, asymptomatic carotid narrowing who underwent carotid stenting had nearly half the risk of stroke or early death over four years compared to those on medication alone. This highlights the importance of early identification for those most at risk.
Simple diagnostic tools like the carotid Doppler ultrasound can detect plaque and measure artery narrowing non-invasively. While not for everyone, it's invaluable for those with multiple risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Coupled with lifestyle management and prompt attention to warning signs, proactive screening offers a powerful defense against preventable strokes.
