If you experience symptoms indicative of carotid artery stenosis, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can thoroughly evaluate you and determine whether further diagnostic tests or treatments are necessary.

Do’s:

• Adopt a Healthy Diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit saturated fats, salt, and sugar intake to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce plaque buildup in the arteries.
• Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, to improve cardiovascular health and help control weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
• Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check with regular monitoring. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are significant risk factors for carotid artery disease.
• Take Medications as Prescribed: If you have been prescribed medications, such as blood thinners or statins, ensure you take them as directed by your doctor to help prevent blood clots and reduce cholesterol.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking accelerates the development of atherosclerosis and can significantly increase the risk of carotid artery stenosis. Seek support to quit if needed.
• Control Blood Sugar Levels: If you have diabetes, keep blood sugar levels within the target range to prevent further damage to blood vessels.
• Attend Regular Check-ups: Follow up regularly with your healthcare provider to monitor the condition, even if you feel well. Regular screenings help detect any progression early.

Don’ts:

• Don’t Ignore Symptoms: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke, such as sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or vision changes.
• Avoid Processed Foods: These can increase cholesterol and contribute to plaque buildup. Limit intake of fried foods, red meats, and processed snacks.
• Prioritize Mental Health: High stress levels can contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. Consider relaxation techniques or seek support if stress is unmanageable.
• Limit Alcohol Intake: Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure. Stick to moderate intake, generally one drink per day for women and up to two for men.
• Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle: Sitting for long periods without movement can negatively impact circulation. Stand, stretch, and move regularly, primarily if you work at a desk.

NOTE:

Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:

1. Radiologyinfo.org | Carotid Artery Stenosis - Diagnosis and Treatment
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov) | Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis - StatPearls
3. Penn Medicine | Carotid Artery Disease: Symptoms and Causes
4. National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov) | Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Look Into the Diagnostic and Management Strategies, and Related Complications
5. Baylor College of Medicine | BCM | Carotid Artery Disease