Question:
I have carotid artery blockages – 55 percent in the right, 65 percent in the left. I know this puts me at risk for a stroke. But can these blockages cause other health problems?


Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Stroke is one of the most devastating complications of carotid artery blocks. You can also have an episode in which stroke-like symptoms occur for less than 24 hours, usually less than 1-2 hours called a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. You could have a sudden blackout, or a spell of dizziness, difficulty in swallowing, speaking, walking, or have confusion, blurred vision, and a headache. A TIA is often considered a warning sign that a stroke may happen in the future if something is not done to prevent it. Usually, these blockages are part of general artery disease called atherosclerosis that leads to hypertension, increased risk of heart attack, and pain in the legs and arms if the arteries to your limbs are also affected. When arteries supplying the kidney, eye, liver and lungs are involved, these get affected too.