Carotid Disease

Treatment for Carotid Disease in Melbourne & Palm Bay, FL

If you’ve been diagnosed with carotid disease, it’s important to get the care that you need right away. At Space Coast Vascular, in Melbourne, FL, and serving Palm Bay, FL, Dr. Peter Dovgan and the rest of our vein specialist team are here to provide you with industry-best vascular health care.

Here, we’ll look at the symptoms and causes of carotid disease.

Symptoms of Carotid Disease

Carotid disease occurs due to a narrowing of the blood vessels. Fatty deposits that build up in the arteries over time cause this narrowing. Many people who have the disease are unaware and have many symptom-free years before experiencing a stroke or stroke-like attack that indicates a vascular problem.

Signs of carotid disease can include:

Blurred vision
Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
Problems with reasoning and memory
Confusion and speech problems

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of carotid disease in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL, you’re likely experiencing a transient ischemic attack, also known as a mini-stroke. This severe symptom of the disease requires immediate medical care, as getting treatment right away can reduce the risk of long-term damage.

Causes of Carotid Disease

Several health conditions can increase your risk of developing carotid disease, including:

Certain lifestyle choices like smoking, excessive drinking, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle
Diabetes
High cholesterol levels
High blood pressure

Men are more likely to develop carotid disease than women, and the risk of the condition increases with age. If you’re at risk for carotid disease, or you’ve had a mini-stroke or stroke and your doctor believes that you may have carotid disease, you must go through testing, which may include carotid ultrasound and CT or MRI imaging.

If you are diagnosed with carotid disease, it is important to focus on improving your vascular health. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications, such as enjoying a heart-healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and managing underlying health conditions. Your doctor may also recommend quitting smoking or drinking to improve your vascular health.

If You’re Living with Carotid Disease, We Can Help

Whether you’re concerned about carotid disease, have been diagnosed with the condition, or have experienced a stroke or mini-stroke related to your vascular health, it’s essential to seek care and guidance on improving your health.

Reliable Carotid Disease Treatment Plans

Carotid disease is responsible for up to 1/3 of strokes. Don't just sit by and wait to become the next stroke victim. The doctors at Space Coast Vascular are here to help discuss diagnoses and treatment plans to help deal with your carotid disease.