Coordinated Carotid Artery Disease Treatment & Stroke Prevention in Southern California

When the two main blood vessels supplying fresh, oxygen-rich blood to your brain become blocked by plaque deposits, it can result in carotid artery disease. This can, in turn, lead to a stroke. 

In this situation, your best defense against stroke is getting a carotid artery disease diagnosis and starting treatment early. 

At Dignity Health Southern California, we take the time to provide a thorough examination and accurate diagnosis. We offer complete carotid artery disease treatment in Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, Glendale, and San Bernardino at five convenient, patient-friendly locations. Be proactive about your heart health and use our online Find a Doctor tool to make an appointment today.

Stroke Prevention

Reducing your risk of carotid artery disease is important because the same measures can reduce your risk of stroke. Consider taking these steps:

  • Seek treatment for forms of heart disease such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol
  • Live a heart-healthy lifestyle, including eating a heart-healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise
  • Quit smoking
  • Lose weight if you are overweight
  • Keep your blood sugar levels controlled if you have Type 2 diabetes

Living for your heart has many benefits beyond preventing disease. When you eat healthy and exercise regularly, you have more energy and a greater sense of well-being.

Carotid Artery Disease Treatment at Dignity Health Southern California

The primary goal of treatment for carotid artery disease is to increase the amount of oxygen-rich blood to your brain. This helps you avoid losing brain tissue due to oxygen deprivation and reduces your risk of stroke.

Treatment options for carotid artery disease include: 

  • Medications to treat underlying conditions, such as elevated cholesterol or blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. These conditions contribute to carotid artery disease.
  • Medicine to reduce your risk of blood clots.
  • Lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and exercising regularly can improve your overall health and help prevent carotid artery disease from getting worse.
  • Surgery. Placing one or more stents in your carotid arteries after angioplasty can improve blood flow. A more invasive surgery called endarterectomy is available if necessary to  remove the plaque-clogged lining of your carotid arteries.

Considering Your Carotid Artery Disease Treatment Options

If you have not experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), your Dignity Health Southern California doctor may advise a conservative, nonsurgical approach. If you have had a stroke or TIA, your doctor may advise surgery. 

Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of each treatment option before you make a final decision together. Rely on us to help you feel as comfortable and confident with your treatment as possible.

Dignity Health provides collaborative, comprehensive carotid artery disease treatment in Southern California.