You recently had surgery to clean out a carotid that was 99 percent blocked How certain is it you may have coronary disease as well?
The presence of a 99% blockage in a carotid artery is a significant indicator of the buildup of plaque in your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can affect arteries throughout the body, including the arteries that supply blood to the heart. As such, individuals who have severe carotid artery disease are more likely to also have coronary artery disease (CAD).
The exact likelihood of having CAD in addition to carotid artery disease can vary depending on individual factors such as age, gender, family history, and other health conditions. However, studies have shown that people with severe carotid artery disease have a higher risk of CAD and future cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke.
For example, a study published in the journal Circulation found that people with severe carotid artery disease had a 2.5 times higher risk of having CAD compared to those without significant carotid artery disease. Another study, published in the journal JAMA, found that people with severe carotid artery disease had a 5-year risk of heart attack or stroke of about 20%, compared to a risk of about 5% for those without significant carotid artery disease.
Given your recent surgery to clear a 99% blocked carotid artery, it's important to discuss the potential risk of CAD with your healthcare provider. They can assess your overall cardiovascular risk and recommend appropriate steps to manage and reduce your risk of future heart problems, such as lifestyle changes, medications, and further diagnostic tests or treatments if necessary.