Submitted by Dr T on September 15, 2011 – 4:59pm
Hi Maryann,
Your husband’s carotid ultrasound shows two things:
1. He has evidence of atherosclerosis, as evidenced by the plaque;
2. There is no obstruction of the blood flow to his brain.
Atherosclerosis is caused by abnormal cholesterol. You can read more here:
https://www.cardiachealth.org/heart-information/your-cholesterol
https://www.cardiachealth.org/heart-information/atherosclerosis
Although not the case at present, your husband is at risk for developing atherosclerosis in the future with as consequence a potential heart attack and/or stroke :
https://www.cardiachealth.org/heart-information/stroke-information
https://www.cardiachealth.org/heart-information/heart-attack
There are things that can be done to prevent this from happening:
1. Live a healthy life style
2. Take a baby Aspirin a day
3. Get treated if necessary for hypertension, high cholesterol
Hope this helps,
Dr T
https://www.cardiachealth.org/