Tests

What tests would be needed?

  • Blood tests
  • ECG
  • Echocardiogram to evaluate the condition of your heart
  • Colour Doppler study of the carotids to see narrowing in the neck
  • CT Angiogram to know the site and the extent of blocked artery

Would I need surgery?

Surgery is not mandatory. A minority of patients go under the knife. Most are treated without surgery. You may be advised to:
Stop Smoking. This is a must and there is no compromise. It is no good to reduce smoking but it is important to totally stop smoking.
Walking program. You may be asked to walk daily for up to 30 minutes including stoppages for pain.
Dietary restrictions – You will be asked to have a healthy diet of fruits and fresh vegetables and avoid fatty greasy fried foods and junk food.
Medication – You may be prescribed blood thinning drugs like Aspirin and clopidogrel along with pain killers if needed.

When is surgical intervention advised?

This could be:

  • Minimally invasive – Peripheral Angioplasty
  • Bypass surgery

Content Reviewed by – Dr. Jaisom Chopra

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