NEW YEAR SALE 50% OFF LASER CLINIC

Vascular information from Dr. Bunke

Vein & Vascular News, Tips, Treatments and More!

3 Venous Reflux Disease Treatments for underlying vein reflux

3 Venous Reflux Disease Treatments for underlying vein reflux:

 

The ClariVein procedure

When someone is diagnosed with underlying vein reflux disease, the ClariVein procedure is for the treatment of backwards flow (or “reflux”) in your saphenous vein(s). The great and small saphenous veins are the two main superficial veins of the leg. They run along the inner leg and the back of the leg, respectively.

This minimally invasive procedure can be performed in the office in less than an hour and patients return to their usual level of activity the same day.

How does the treatment work?

The skin is numbed with lidocaine, then the ClariVein® catheter is placed into the unhealthy vein. The catheter closes the vein painlessly by delivering two treatments:

  1. Mechanical treatment with a tiny rotating wire.

  2. Chemical treatment with polidocanol. Polidocanol is a detergent-type sclerosant medication that is commonly used in varicose vein treatment.

This technique is highly effective in closing the vein and only requires one skin puncture, similar to placing an IV.

 

In the video linked here, Dr. Bunke discusses the ClariVein® procedure for vein reflux disease.  The other video shows how the treatment is done. We offer many other videos on our YouTube channel.   After care instructions can be found on our website under the patient resources tab.

 

ClosureFast an endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure

The procedure is for the underlying diagnosis of vein reflux disease, which can cause a  backward flow of blood (or “Venous reflux”) in your saphenous vein(s). The great saphenous veins and small saphenous veins are the two main superficial veins of the leg. They run along the inner leg and the back of the leg, respectively. This minimally invasive procedure can be performed in the office in less than an hour and patients usually return to their usual level of activity the same day.

 

How does the treatment work?

The skin is numbed with lidocaine, then a tiny wire and the Closurefast® catheter are inserted into the vein. The catheter delivers radio-frequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to seal shut. The remaining healthy veins continue to bring blood back to the heart.

 

What is Varithena?

Varithena® is a “microfoam” formulation of polidocanol (sclerosing agent) and CO2. The result is a microfoam that has an appearance and consistency similar to white, foamy shave cream. Ultrasound guidance is used to inject Varithena® microfoam into the vein. The microfoam fills the lumen for circumferential contact where it’s designed to displace blood and destroy the endothelial lining efficiently.

 

3 Venous Reflux Disease Treatments for underlying vein reflux2022-04-12T10:08:56-07:00

What is ClosureFast?

ClosureFast an endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure

The procedure  ClosureFast, is for the backward flow of blood (or “Venous reflux”) in your saphenous vein(s). The great saphenous veins and small saphenous veins are the two main superficial veins of the leg. They run along the inner leg and the back of the leg, respectively. This minimally invasive procedure can be performed in the office in less than an hour and patients usually return to their usual level of activity the same day.

closurefast1

How does the ClosureFast treatment work?

The skin is numbed with lidocaine, then a tiny wire and the ClosureFast catheter are inserted into the vein. The catheter delivers radio-frequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to seal shut. The remaining healthy veins continue to bring blood back to the heart.

What should I expect on the day of treatment?

closurefast2

ClosureFast is performed with local anesthesia, but many patients elect to use a mild oral sedative (Valium), which is taken after checking in and completing all paperwork.  You will change into a gown and leave underwear on.  Depending on the vein to be treated, you will lay on your back or on your belly.  We do our best to make special accommodations (for example, if you cannot lie flat or cannot bend a knee very well) with body positioning and using pillows.  We will do our best to make you comfortable.  Then, we will give you the option of watching a movie on Netflix or listening to music.  Once you are comfortable, your leg (s) will be prepped with a cleansing solution for the sterile procedure.  The doctor will perform an ultrasound to map the vein (s) to be treated.  Then, a numbing agent (lidocaine) will be injected into the skin. In the numb area of the skin, a tiny puncture is made to pass the radiofrequency catheter.  Your doctor will then use a needle to administer a combination of cool saline and local anesthetic around the vein either in the thigh or calf (depending on which vein is treated).  This solution numbs the vein and insulates it from the surrounding tissue.  After the numbing solution is applied, the vein is painlessly treated with radiofrequency energy.

Once your vein has been treated, we will clean your leg and apply a compression stocking which you will wear for 72 hours continuously.  You will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting in your car.

Watch a live radio frequency ablation treatment at La Jolla Vein Care.

 

What is ClosureFast?2022-04-11T10:20:19-07:00

What is a Duplex Ultrasound

The Duplex Ultrasound examination allows us to visualize the blood vessels that are not visible to the naked eye, even blood vessels that are deep within the muscles.  Ultrasound looks at deep and superficial veins in the legs to check for venous-valvular incompetence (the underlying condition that causes varicose veins). The ultrasound examination is used to both identify the veins that have faulty valves and to map the anatomy of the veins, creating a ‘road map.’  This is necessary to make an accurate assessment of the cause and extent of the varicose veins, as well as to formulate the best treatment plan.  This should be done for any individual being evaluated for varicose veins, leg swelling, skin changes, patients who have failed prior treatment, patients who are symptomatic and in some patients with certain anatomic patterns of spider veins.

Before your Duplex Ultrasound test:  

This study does not require any preparation. You should not wear your compression stockings the same day as the examination.  Make sure to be hydrated.

 

Who Performs the test?

duplex

The ultrasound examination is performed by a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT). An RVT is a sonographer who completed a two-year ultrasound program, plus additional clinical training and obtained certification by meeting the highest standards by The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS®).  It is important that a specially trained RVT perform the study, because over 40 special images are required to meet accreditation standards. All images are reviewed with the physician.

duplexultrasound

How long does the duplex ultrasound study take?

Approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Is it invasive?

No, it is a painless and safe study using sound waves to visualize the veins of the leg.

How to prepare?

This study does not require any preparation. You should not wear your compression stockings the same day as the examination.  Make sure to be hydrated.

 

What is a Duplex Ultrasound2022-04-08T15:04:58-07:00

What is Varithena?

What is Varithena?

 

Foam Sclerotherapy

Varithena® is a “microfoam” formulation of polidocanol (sclerosing agent) and CO2. The result is a microfoam that has an appearance and consistency similar to white, foamy shave cream. Ultrasound guidance is used to inject Varithena® microfoam into the vein. The microfoam fills the lumen for circumferential contact where it’s designed to displace blood and destroy the endothelial lining efficiently.

foamsclerotherapy

Varithena® (polidocanol injectable foam)

is a prescription medication used to treat the great saphenous vein system (GSV) and associated varicose veins of the GSV system. Varithena® improves the symptoms of superficial venous incompetence and the appearance of visible varicosities. It is a non-thermal, non-tumescent, nearly painless method of vein treatment. Varithena® may be recommended based on your vein location, size, anatomy and vein tortuosity.

Varithena® is:

  • Effective to treat veins of different sizes above and below the knee
  • Requires no incisions, sedation or general anesthesia
  • Does not require a wire to be inserted along the length of your vein
  • Does not use heat, eliminating the risk of thermal injury

 

How many treatments will I need?

The number and frequency of Varithena treatments depends on a patient’s anatomy, how quickly the veins respond, and the patient’s treatment goals.  There is a limit on the amount of medication we can give you each day to avoid causing side effects.  Some larger or resistant veins may require two treatments to respond completely but most veins respond to Varithena® after one treatment.

 

What should I expect on the day of  Varithena treatment?

You will sign your consent form then change into shorts provided by the office.  We will clean your skin with alcohol, then use ultrasound to localize the veins.  The foam medication will then be injected into your veins with a fine needle.  The foam fills and treats the desired section of the vein.  The diseased vein collapses and the foam is deactivated.  Your legs will be elevated on a comfortable wedge pillow for approximately 15 minutes. After your treatment, we will help you into your compression stockings, then you will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting in your car.

You can find more information about Varithena on our youtube channel. 

 

What is Varithena?2022-04-07T10:41:31-07:00

What is Asclera?

What is polidocanol (Asclera)? 

 

A variety of sclerosant medications can be used for veins, but at La Jolla Vein Care, we prefer polidocanol (brand name Asclera), because it is the most comfortable for the patient and has the lowest risk of side effects. It is a detergent-type medication that injures the inner lining of the veins. This causes the vein to stop flowing, then eventually close down completely. Polidocanol has been well-studied and has been approved by the FDA since 2010 for the treatment of varicose veins and has been used in Europe for decades. Polidocanol is turned into a foam to treat larger veins. This is an off-label use of the sclerosant but very effective and well tolerated. Asclera (polidocanol) Injection is a prescription medicine that is used in a procedure called sclerotherapy to remove unwanted veins on your legs. It is administered by a healthcare provider to treat two types of veins:

 

  • Uncomplicated spider veins (very small varicose veins ≤ 1 mm in diameter)
  • Uncomplicated small varicose veins (1 to 3 mm in diameter) known as reticular veins

Asclera has not been studied in varicose veins more than 3 mm in diameter. La Jolla Vein Care providers have extensive experience with foam sclerotherapy. 

 

ADVERSE REACTIONS: 

 

  • injection site hematoma
  • injection site irritation 
  • injection site discoloration 
  • injection site pain 
  • injection site itching 
  • injection site warmth 
  • neovascularization 
  • injection site clotting

 

How often do I need treatment to see results?

The number and frequency of treatments depends on the size of the vessels and their location. Ask your provider about an individualized treatment approach that is right for you.

How does Asclera work?

Asclera is a sclerosing agent that is injected into the vein. It works by damaging the endothelium, the inside lining of blood vessels. This causes blood platelets and cellular debris to attach to the lining of the vessels. Eventually, cellular debris and platelets cause the blood vessel to clot. Over time, the clotted vein will be replaced with tissue.

How satisfied are patients who use Asclera?

88% of clinical study patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their Asclera treatment after 12 weeks.

How long is each Asclera session?

A typical session lasts 15 to 45 minutes. Generally, 1 to 3 injections may be necessary to treat a given spider or reticular vein. Repeat treatment sessions may be necessary. Any additional treatment sessions are usually separated by 1 to 2 weeks.

What should I expect after being treated with Asclera?

Following treatment, you’ll need to wear compression stockings day and night for 2 to 3 days, then for 2 to 3 weeks during the daytime, as directed by your provider. Compression stockings are designed to apply pressure to your lower legs, helping to maintain blood flow, and reduce discomfort and swelling. Compression helps your legs heal and is necessary to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

 

Are there activities I should avoid after receiving an Asclera Injection?

For 2 to 3 days following the treatment, avoid:

  • Heavy exercise
  • Sunbathing
  • Long plane flights
  • Hot baths, hot tubs, or saunas

Possible side effects to Asclera treatments:

Temporary side effects may occur at the site of the injection, including:

  • Bruising
  • Raised red areas
  • Small skin sores
  • Darkened skin in the form of lines or spots
  • Multiple tiny red blood vessels

These side effects usually go away within a few days to several weeks. Some side effects may take months or years to resolve.

For more information or to book an appointment for Asclera therapy, please call our office at 858-550-0330.

You can visit the Asclera website here.

 

What is Asclera?2022-12-13T13:07:15-08:00

How Cholesterol Affects Your Vascular Health

How cholesterol affects your vascular health

When it comes to vascular disease, cholesterol is enemy number one. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the walls of human cells. The human body produces cholesterol but it also comes from foods that are high in animal fats such as eggs, cheese and meat.

But all cholesterol is not created equal. It comes in two very different types:

  • Good cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL), helps keep arteries from becoming blocked.
  • Bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) can build up and cause blockages in the arteries.

Triglycerides are fats produced by the liver. They can cause the same kinds of health problems as LDL. Over time, a buildup of extra cholesterol, or plaque, can narrow the insides of blood vessels. Eventually, the plaque causes hardening of the arteries, also called atherosclerosis. This condition can lead to vascular disease, strokes, heart attacks, aneurysms and other life-threatening problems.

When doctors tell you to “know your numbers,” one of those numbers is your cholesterol level. For good vascular health:

  • Total cholesterol should be less than 200.
  • Good cholesterol (HDL) should be more than 60. 
  • Bad cholesterol (LDL) should be less than 130.
  • Triglycerides should be less than 150.

Why take statins for cholesterol control?

All types of atherosclerosis are improved when patients take statins.

Side effects are relatively rare, and if a patient does not tolerate one statin, there are many different ones that can be tried.

What are statins?

Statins act as a key control point in the metabolism of serum cholesterol.

Specifically, when “bad” (LDL) cholesterol is high, the risk of heart attack and stroke is high.

Can lifestyle changes impact cholesterol levels?

Yes. Even slight lifestyle choices can impact vascular disease. For example, a 10-pound weight loss can result in a 5 to 8 percent reduction in LDL.

If lifestyle changes are not enough to bring your numbers to a healthy level, medication may help. Total cholesterol levels that are borderline high (between 150-199 mg /dL) or high (200 mg / dL or more) may require treatment with a statin drug. Some conditions actually benefit from a statin even if your numbers are normal.

Who benefits from taking statins?

  • People who are at risk of heart attack and stroke due to high cholesterol
  • Patients with hardening of the arteries supplying oxygen-rich blood to the brain or the legs
  • Vascular surgery patients. During a vascular procedure, they have fewer complications

Do statins affect plaque in the blood vessels?

Newer research suggests that statins don’t just stop plaque from getting worse, they may also reduce plaque in the leg arteries. Studies also now suggest that statins keep plaque stable so it is less likely to break off and form blood clots that cause heart attacks and strokes. Statins also improve the function of cells inside of the artery.

Don’t statins have side effects?

Few statin side effects have been recorded since they were introduced 40 years ago. Most mild side effects, such as muscle pain and cramps, can be avoided by switching statins. Serious side effects are rare but it is important to be aware of them. They include:

  • Liver damage. This very rare condition doesn’t cause symptoms, so laboratory tests are ordered when patients first start taking statins.
  • A wide range of muscle injuries. In rare cases, inflammation of the muscles can occur. At its worst, this rapid muscle destruction can lead to kidney failure.

 

How Cholesterol Affects Your Vascular Health2022-04-05T12:23:27-07:00

Smoking and Vascular Disease

Smoking and Vascular Disease

The reality of cigarettes is that it is not one product. Every time you smoke, you not only ingest nicotine, but hundreds of other deadly chemicals in the tobacco leaf, paper, contaminants and fertilizers used to grow tobacco. Over time the accumulation of these products causes serious harm to multiple organs. And unlike many things in life, moderation in smoking is not a cure.

Benzene, for example, is a substance on the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of national hazards. It is abundant in tobacco smoke and takes more than 32 hours to completely clear the human body. That means that even ONE cigarette a day continues to keep this poison in your system.

What does smoking do to your arteries?

Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in the United States. Its effect on heart attacks, peripheral vascular disease and strokes is due to the damage that smoking does to the arteries.

The two chemicals in cigarettes that cause the most trouble are nicotine and carbon monoxide. Nicotine, besides being addictive, has very powerful effects on arteries throughout the body. Nicotine is a stimulant, speeding up the heart by about 20 beats per minute with every cigarette. It raises blood pressure and is a vasoconstrictor, which means it makes arteries all over the body become smaller. That makes it harder for the heart to pump blood through the constricted arteries and it causes the body to release its stores of fat and cholesterol into the blood.

Smoking accelerates the hardening and narrowing process in your arteries; it starts earlier and blood clots are two to four times more likely. Smoking lowers your levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and raises your levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It decreases the movement of cholesterol through the body, and contributes to its accumulation in your arteries. This puts you at a higher risk for heart attack, stroke, and limb loss.

Your vascular health

Cigarette smoking increases risks of blood clots significantly. If the blood clots in an artery and blood can no longer get through, the tissue that is supposed to be supplied with blood has lost the source of its oxygen and nutrients and dies in minutes. This can result in heart attacks, strokes, and gangrene of the leg.

 

Smoking effects on the brain:

Smoking increases the risk of stroke by narrowing the arteries in the brain and the carotid arteries in the neck that lead to the brain. In addition, the vessels to the brain can become blocked by a clog or blood clot, which can lead to collapse, stroke and paralysis. If the blood vessels are completely blocked to part of the brain, that part will die. Patients may lose the ability to speak, walk or move normally, or, depending on the part of the brain affected, the stroke may be fatal.

 

Smoking and Vascular Disease2022-04-04T14:53:33-07:00

Diabetes and Vascular Health

Diabetes and Vascular Disease

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease that affects the body’s ability to absorb glucose, which is a form of sugar and a major source of energy. There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 (formerly known as juvenile diabetes) and Type 2 (formerly called adult onset diabetes).

Both cause high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. High blood sugar causes many of the long-term effects of diabetes. Too much sugar in the blood damages the linings of the arteries of all sizes, and that can cause atherosclerosis, in which arteries are weakened and/or clogged with plaque.

Atherosclerosis in diabetic patients can lead to:

  • Kidney damage. Kidneys have tiny blood vessels that remove waste from the blood, but diabetes blocks these blood vessels. As the disease progresses, the kidneys lose function and eventually fail.
  • Retinopathy. High blood sugar can cause tiny blood vessels in the eyes to become blocked. When your eye tries to grow new blood vessels, they grow abnormally, eventually leading to blindness.
  • Peripheral artery disease. Glucose damage to the arteries that feed oxygen and nutrients to the legs and feet can lead to pain in the legs, foot sores that won’t heal, chronic pain from poor circulation and in some cases, amputation.
  • Neuropathy. In this condition, the patient loses feeling in the feet and toes. Decreased blood flow caused by clogged arteries can damage the nerves in the extremities.

If you or someone in your family has diabetes, be aware that:

-Patients with diabetes are more likely to get vascular disease.

-Patients with both diabetes and vascular disease are at risk of amputation, blindness, kidney failure and other serious disabilities.

Treatment of diabetes:

Because of the effects, it is very important to aggressively treat both types of diabetes to minimize long-term damage. Careful maintenance of the blood glucose level is the primary goal of this treatment. The HbAl c is a test that estimates the averaged glucose level over a three-month period. Maintaining an HbAl c < 7% is known to lower the risk of amputation, heart attacks, stroke and onset of peripheral arterial disease.

 

Avoiding foods and snacks high in sugar (which can include seemingly innocuous items such as white bread and pasta) can help maintain healthy glucose control. In addition, exercise helps to burn energy and improve your body’s ability to keep your glucose at a healthy level.

Ultimately, medication is often required to maintain this control. For type 2 diabetes, it has been shown that use of an insulin sensitizing medication (usually an oral agent) dramatically decreases cardiovascular complications compared to using only insulin. Consultation with a diabetes specialist can help you to manage your diabetes optimally. There are many new ways to check your glucose at home, including phone apps, and this knowledge and feedback can help you to manage your A1c better.

 

Preventive Care

Preventive care is a critical component of limiting lifetime complications for diabetics. Diabetes predisposes one to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and peripheral arterial disease. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these can facilitate you seeking help before a tragic event occurs. However, diabetes can also blunt the usual nerve response to diseases such as the pain of peripheral artery disease. This loss of sensation results in an increased risk of pressure ulcers on the feet. Patients with diabetes should perform routine inspection of their feet to evaluate for any breaks in the skin and notify their doctor immediately if found.Often, nail care can be complicated in diabetic patients. If you have been told you have peripheral neuropathy, ask for a referral to a podiatrist to assist you with nail care to avoid potentially dangerous injuries in nail care. If you do develop any wounds on your feet that do not heal in a reasonable time or seem to be expanding, ask your doctor to refer you to a vascular surgeon here at La Jolla Vein Care.

 

Diabetes and Vascular Health2022-04-01T08:55:27-07:00

Physical Activity and Vascular Health

Physical activity helps to burn calories, increase the heart rate, and keep blood flowing at a healthy rate. All of these contribute to vascular health. 

If your doctor has diagnosed you with vascular disease, or if you have concerns about your vascular health, starting some good habits can help keep vascular complications at bay. Daily exercise has been found to have a significant positive effect on vascular health, along with other good lifestyle choices, such as not smoking, eating heart-friendly foods and maintaining a healthy body weight.

Your Vascular Health

Exercise can impact several artery diseases. A regular exercise routine may reduce the risk of stroke, the fourth leading cause of death in America according to the CDC’s 2010 National Vital Statistics Report. In 2010, 137,000 Americans died of stroke. Studies show that patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) may be successfully treated with exercise therapy and possibly avoid interventions. Regular exercise also decreases the growth rate of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), research has found.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 150 minutes of physical activity per week for adults ages 18 to 64. The activity can be a combination of moderate intensity aerobics and strength training, and should continue for at least 10 minutes at a time.

Moderate-intensity aerobic activities that increase the heart rate and cause sweating which are great for vascular health:

  • Riding a bicycle at a casual pace 
  • Playing doubles tennis
  • Actively playing with children
  • Mowing the lawn
  • Gardening, raking, or bagging leaves
  • Light snow shoveling
  • Water aerobics
  • Ballroom dancing

Vigorous activity that increase the heart rate that are great for vascular health:

 

  • Hiking uphill or with a heavy backpack,  race walking, jogging, running
  • Riding a bicycle fast or riding hills, more than 10 miles/hr
  • Rollerblading / inline skating at a brisk pace 
  • Playing basketball, football, soccer, etc.
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Jumping rope
  • Aerobic dancing
  • Heavy gardening continuous digging and hoeing
  • Swimming laps
  • Playing singles tennis

Twice weekly strengthening activities include:

  • Sit-ups, push-ups
  • Weight lifting
  • Heavy gardening such as digging and shoveling 
  • Yoga

The lack of regular physical activity results in 250,000 deaths annually, according to a 2003 report in the medical journal, Circulation. People who are the least physically fit have a mortality risk 4.5 times higher than physically fit people.

To add physical activity into your daily schedule:

  • Select enjoyable activities 
  • Work out with a friend
  • Encourage family members to participate
  • Measure progress through a daily exercise journal

 

Physical activity is not just good for your veins and arteries, just about every part of your body can benefit. According to the CDC, exercise also helps your vascular health and in addition helps:

  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; can lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels
  • Reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes; can help control glucose levels
  • Reduce the risk of colon and breast cancer
  • Strengthen bones and muscles – can increase or build muscle mass and strength; can slow the loss of bone density that comes with age; can help with arthritis and other joint conditions
  • Keep thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp 
  • Reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Improve the ability to complete daily activities and prevent falls for older adults
  • Increase the chances of living longer by reducing the risk of dying from heart disease and some cancers

 

Physical Activity and Vascular Health2022-03-31T11:45:50-07:00

What is Carotid Artery Disease?

What is carotid artery disease? 

Your carotid arteries are two main arteries that carry blood from your heart, up through your neck, to your brain. Healthy carotid arteries are smooth and unobstructed, allowing blood to flow freely to the brain and provide oxygen, glucose and other nutrients that your brain cells need. Carotid artery disease is a vascular disease.

Typically with age, the carotid arteries build up plaque, made up mostly of fat and cholesterol. Plaque narrows the insides of the arteries and makes them stiff. This process is commonly referred to as “hardening of the arteries,” or atherosclerosis. Carotid artery disease results when the carotid arteries become narrow or obstructed and provide a risk of the plaque traveling to the brain and causing a stroke.

What is a stroke?

Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of perma- nent disability in older Healthy Plaque Build Up adults. Approximately 25% of strokes occur when bits of carotid plaque or clot break off and flow to the brain. If left untreated, carotid artery disease may lead to stroke, where lack of oxygen and other essential nutrients cause damage to the brain. Depending on its severity, a stroke can be fatal.

Symptoms of carotid artery disease: 

  • There may be no symptoms in the early stages of carotid artery disease, and stroke could be the first sign of the condition.
  • Stroke, however, typically has warning signs, referred to as mini-strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
  • Mini-stroke symptoms are usually temporary, lasting a few minutes to a few hours, and should be treated as serious medical emergencies requiring immediate treatment because they are strong predictors of future stroke.

Some symptoms of stroke or TIA may include:

– Weakness, numbness, or tingling on one side of the body

– Inability to control movement of a body part

– Loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes

– Inability to speak clearly

– Difficulty talking or comprehending what others are saying

Causes and risk factors of carotid disease:

  • High blood pressure and age
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol and obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Family history of hardening of the arteries and/or stroke

Diagnosis of carotid artery disease: 

If your doctor suspects carotid artery disease, it can be confirmed by undergoing a noninvasive duplex ultrasound examination. The ultrasound can also show how severe the disease is. If you experience symptoms of a mini-stroke, seek medical attention immediately. Your physician may then ask you to see a vascular specialist since they are highly trained in every type of vascular procedure.

 

Treatment:

Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures such as carotid endarterectomy (cleaning out the plaque with surgery), or in select cases, carotid artery stenting. Some patients benefit from surgery even if they are having no symptoms based upon life expectancy and degree of narrowing.

 

What is Carotid Artery Disease?2022-03-30T16:49:46-07:00
NEW LJVV Logo WEB

CONTACT INFORMATION

La Jolla/UTC

Vista

Patient Privacy Practices

Privacy Policy

Hippa Privacy Practices
HIPAAOneTM Certified Seal 2

Use the search features below to find articles and insights for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO

La Jolla/ UTC

North County San Diego/ Vista
Now Open! Call/Text for Appointments

© Copyright 2010-2025, La Jolla Vein & Vascular | All Rights Reserved

CONTACT INFORMATION

La Jolla/UTC

Vista

Patient Privacy Practices

Privacy Policy

Hippa Privacy Practices
HIPAAOneTM Certified Seal 2

Use the search features below to find articles and insights for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO

La Jolla/ UTC

North County San Diego/ Vista — Endovascular Center
Now Open! Call/Text for Appointments

© Copyright 2010-2024, La Jolla Vein & Vascular | All Rights Reserved

Toggle Sliding Bar Area
Go to Top