Heart Beat: Geography influences treatment of clogged carotid arteries
Like all arteries, the carotid arteries that run up either side of the neck, bringing blood to the brain, can become clogged with cholesterol-filled plaque. Treating this common problem should be somewhat consistent across the country. It isn't. In the crazy quilt of American medicine, rates of artery-clearing procedures are all over the map.
Endarterectomy is the surgical procedure performed to clean out a clogged or narrowed carotid artery. Angioplasty plus a stent can open the vessel from the inside without surgery. Both procedures help prevent stroke and premature death in people whose narrowed carotids cause symptoms; the benefits are much more modest in those without symptoms. About one in 10 people who has carotid endarterectomy or angioplasty probably doesn't need the procedure.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.