Diagnosis and treatment of carotid artery disease
1University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, McKeesport Hospital, McKeesport, PA, USA.
Insights
Carotid artery disease (CAD) is a significant stroke risk. This review covers controllable risk factors, anatomy, imaging, treatments, and emerging therapies for preventing and managing CAD.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Carotid artery disease (CAD) poses a serious risk for stroke and mortality.
- Effective management strategies can prevent, slow, or reverse CAD progression.
- Understanding CAD is crucial for public health and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of carotid artery disease (CAD).
- To discuss controllable risk factors, anatomy, and diagnostic imaging techniques.
- To outline current and emerging treatment options and the roles of specialists.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on CAD.
- Analysis of normal and abnormal carotid artery anatomy.
- Evaluation of various carotid artery imaging modalities.
- Synthesis of information on CAD treatment options and specialist roles.
Main Results:
- Identified key controllable risk factors for CAD.
- Described essential aspects of carotid artery anatomy and imaging.
- Summarized established and novel treatment approaches for CAD.
- Highlighted the multidisciplinary approach to CAD management.
Conclusions:
- Carotid artery disease (CAD) is a preventable and manageable condition.
- Comprehensive understanding of risk factors, anatomy, and treatments is vital.
- Emerging therapies offer promising advancements in CAD care.
Abstract:
Carotid artery disease (CAD) can cause strokes or even death. Fortunately, some of the risk factors for CAD can be controlled, and the disease can be prevented, slowed or reversed. This article reviews those risk factors, along with normal and abnormal carotid artery anatomy, techniques for imaging the carotid arteries, treatment options for CAD and the roles of specialists who diagnose and treat it. The article concludes with a look at promising new and alternative treatments.
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