Ask the doctor: When to remove carotid blockage?

Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D.

Q. At what percentage of blockage of the carotid artery do you consider surgery? I am a 73-year-old man with a 70% blockage, and my doctor says to wait a year and check back then.

A. As you know, your carotid arteries are the main blood supply to a large part of your brain. Blockages definitely pose a threat to the brain, but there are risks to the treatments as well.

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