Carotid artery/arteries possibly blocked

[delgarcon]

I need to find a good cardiologist, probably in Bangkok, who can help me with my problem.

[roo860]

Just now, delgarcon said:

I need to find a good cardiologist, probably in Bangkok, who can help me with my problem.

What makes you think they are blocked?

[Will B Good]

2 minutes ago, roo860 said:

What makes you think they are blocked?

 

That's worrying......no answer!!!!!

[delgarcon]

22 minutes ago, roo860 said:

What makes you think they are blocked?

Are you a cardiologist?

[roo860]

3 minutes ago, delgarcon said:

Are you a cardiologist?

No I'm not, but was wondering why you think they're blocked, was quite an innocent question 

[Sheryl]

You are going to have to describe your symptoms for me to be able to direct you to the best doctor. A cardiologist is not whom one would see for suspected blockage of carotid arteries, that would be a neurologist and/or vascular surgeon.

 

Or did you mean coronary arteries? 

[delgarcon]

8 hours ago, Sheryl said:

You are going to have to describe your symptoms for me to be able to direct you to the best doctor. A cardiologist is not whom one would see for suspected blockage of carotid arteries, that would be a neurologist and/or vascular surgeon.

 

Or did you mean coronary arteries? 

Hi Sheryl, several years ago a French cardiologist, during an ultrasound, told me that one of my carotid arteries had a slight blockage, which he said was nothing to worry about at the moment. Now, now and again, I feel this tightness in my neck and when I get up I feel dizzy and have to hold on to something or sit down.

[KhaoHom]

Get a CAC scan.

[Sheryl]

14 hours ago, delgarcon said:

Hi Sheryl, several years ago a French cardiologist, during an ultrasound, told me that one of my carotid arteries had a slight blockage, which he said was nothing to worry about at the moment. Now, now and again, I feel this tightness in my neck and when I get up I feel dizzy and have to hold on to something or sit down.

 

I suggest you avail of this package  https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/bangkok-bone-brain/package/carotid-doppler-ultrasound

Note that you have to buy online to get that price

If you prefer other hospital then here (bit a bit more expensive)  https://mbrace.bnhhospital.com/en/product/carotid-doppler-ultrasound/  

 

It will include doctor visit to explain findings then you can take it from there if significant blockage is found.

 

The fact that your dizziness is only upon standing up is more consistent with orthostatic hypotension than anything else. But, as you have had prior finding of mild carotid plaques, good idea anyway to recheck.  (Orhtostatic hypotension is common in older people especially -- but not only -- if on blood pressure mediction. Best managed by getting up slowly and, sometimes, by adjusting BP medication dose or schedule). 

 

People with carotid plaques often also have some plaque build up in the coronary arteries. A Coronary Calcium Scan may be good idea if you have not had one, or other test (like angiogram etc)  in the past few years.   Same hospitals offer package for this 

https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/bangkok-heart/package/ct-coronary-calcium-score

https://mbrace.bnhhospital.com/en/product/ct-calcium-score-screening/?srsltid=AfmBOorsy7LsOjNTm5QpkG-9DNCmb34ZU51aTHiXWvCoQo0V32oTs96Z

 

While BNH is more expensive for both tests they also have a package that combines Carotid Doppler, CAC and low dose lung CT (screening for lung cancer) at a competitive price (15k for all 3), relevant only if  you need that last one. Annual low dose lung CT  is indicated only if you are "aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years" https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/lung-cancer-screening