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What Does My Carotid Artery Duplex Report Indicate?
Question: I had a carotid artery duplex report. The right carotid artery had no atheroscierotic plaquing. The left common carotid artery was ok. The left bulb was ok. the left mid internal carotid artery said "velocities are consistent with a 50-69% stenosis in the mid internal artery." The remainder of the left internal carotid artery demonstrates no significant plaquing with normal Doppler velocities. All other test on left artery was normal. I do not want to take statins; I currently have no medical conditions that require medicine. How necessary is statins for this moderate condition of plaque?
Brief Answer:
HAs your blood lipids been measured?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
Have your blood lipids been measured? If so can you please report the values to me. What did your doctor propose as a treatment plan for this?
If your blood lipids are not great, then dietary measures need to be tried first. Should they fail to address this, then taking medications may be the next best alternative. What we focus on would not be the medication but the benefits. I know it is your right to choose to take medications or not but I will also say I will be happy to see you take the necessary steps to maintain a good health just like you are enjoying now.
What are the concerns you have about taking statins? Is there anything which scares you that much?
I hope this helps. I hope to hear from you. Until then, thanks for the trust and using our services.
HAs your blood lipids been measured?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
Have your blood lipids been measured? If so can you please report the values to me. What did your doctor propose as a treatment plan for this?
If your blood lipids are not great, then dietary measures need to be tried first. Should they fail to address this, then taking medications may be the next best alternative. What we focus on would not be the medication but the benefits. I know it is your right to choose to take medications or not but I will also say I will be happy to see you take the necessary steps to maintain a good health just like you are enjoying now.
What are the concerns you have about taking statins? Is there anything which scares you that much?
I hope this helps. I hope to hear from you. Until then, thanks for the trust and using our services.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
To answer your question about my lipids, here are the numbers from last year. I am due for my yearly exam:
Cholesterol 237
Hdl 75
Triglycerides 87
LDL 145
CHOL/HDLC ratio – 3.2
Non HDL cholesterol – 162
TSH 2.94 - normal
I have fatty liver so am reluctant to take statins for the effect they have on the liver. Sorry to be late with this reply..I missed your second email
I have asked my doctor to let me use Dr. Fuhrman's book "Eat to Live" and if in 2 months my numbers are not good, I will take the statins. Thank you for your help..
Cholesterol 237
Hdl 75
Triglycerides 87
LDL 145
CHOL/HDLC ratio – 3.2
Non HDL cholesterol – 162
TSH 2.94 - normal
I have fatty liver so am reluctant to take statins for the effect they have on the liver. Sorry to be late with this reply..I missed your second email
I have asked my doctor to let me use Dr. Fuhrman's book "Eat to Live" and if in 2 months my numbers are not good, I will take the statins. Thank you for your help..
Brief Answer:
I agree with your plan!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this follow up question.
I agree perfectly with your plan. Try dietary and lifestyle measures and if they fail to address the problem, ,then take on drugs. This is always the best approach, Even if dietary measures fail to address this fully, together with medications would be more effective. You would also use smaller doses than without these measures. In any case, it would be a win-win situation.
I understand your fears and they are genuine. However, the benefits would outweigh the potential harms.
I wish you well and do keep me updated with your progress on this.
I agree with your plan!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this follow up question.
I agree perfectly with your plan. Try dietary and lifestyle measures and if they fail to address the problem, ,then take on drugs. This is always the best approach, Even if dietary measures fail to address this fully, together with medications would be more effective. You would also use smaller doses than without these measures. In any case, it would be a win-win situation.
I understand your fears and they are genuine. However, the benefits would outweigh the potential harms.
I wish you well and do keep me updated with your progress on this.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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