Carotid stenosis is when the arteries on the sides of your neck, that carry the blood to your brain, head, and face, get narrower. It is often the consequence of atherosclerosis, which is plaque build-up in the arteries. Carotid stenosis is a dangerous condition which greatly increases the risk of a stroke causing disability or death.
The condition is serious and has been commonly observed. A recent study in the UK found that 1 in 5 patients that suffered a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA) were observed to have a high percentage of artery narrowing due to carotid stenosis.
Carotid stenosis is more common in older males who have a family history of angina and strokes. Other risk factors towards carotid stenosis include diabetes, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. In many cases, carotid stenosis is only discovered after a patient suffers a stroke. It is very important that you seek help immediately at any signs of a thrombosis or blockage such as swelling or discomfort in the sides of your neck where the arteries are located.
Prevention of carotid stenosis through a change in lifestyle, exercise, and eating habits is the best way to lower the risk of the condition. Carotid stenosis is often diagnosed earlier though blood tests, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and breathing tests. In extreme cases of carotid stenosis, there are surgical procedures such as a carotid endarterectomy to clear the blockage from the artery directly. Recovery can take somewhere from four to eight weeks after the surgery.
Care.Wallet is a powerful tool that has everything patients may need for successfully managing their health. If experiencing discomfort, pain or swelling in the neck, a patient can book an appointment with a few clicks directly in the App. If a patient needs a ride to the facility, Care.Wallet has got them covered with a medical transportation solution embedded. If it’s not possible to have an in-office visit, Care.Wallet allows for booking online appointments via Global Telehealth Exchange.
With Care.Wallet the patient doesn’t have to worry about preparing for the appointment, as all their previous medical records are securely stored in his Care.Wallet and can be shared with all members of their care team in real-time. On top of that, Care.Wallet allows for symptom recording and management. Armed with all necessary the information, medical professionals can better evaluate the health condition of the patient and diagnose the problem. Prescriptions and referrals can be easily managed within the App as well. Care.Wallet has a comprehensive feedback function, called “How Are You Feeling Today” (HAYFT) Cards, that allow the patient to stay in touch with their care provider and report any changes to their health condition. In addition, the Care.Circle functionality provides an opportunity for the patient to have health information exchanged between all care professionals involved in their treatment. Family and friends can be invited to join their Care.Circle as well to support the patient in their recovery and stay updated about their current health situation.
Care.Wallet is a powerful health management tool designed to offer a new improved standard of care and will improve the way healthcare works by putting patients in control of their health management. If you enjoyed this article, do take a look at our previous article Pleural Effusion in the US.
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