Which department should I visit for carotid atherosclerotic plaque?

Apr 10, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Jianbin

Introduction

Carotid atherosclerotic plaques can be referred to general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, or vascular surgery. Patients may visit general surgery, as this department has a broad scope in diagnosis and treatment. They may also see cardiovascular surgery, which specializes in treating vascular diseases. Additionally, patients can consult vascular surgery, a department primarily focused on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting cerebral, cardiac, and other peripheral blood vessels. Since the carotid artery is a major blood vessel, it is appropriate to seek care in the vascular surgery department.

In general, for carotid atherosclerotic plaques, patients can usually make appointments with the general surgery department, cardiovascular surgery department, or vascular surgery department. It is often advisable to first consult the hospital where you plan to seek treatment or inquire at the patient guidance desk. Specific details are as follows:

1. General Surgery

Patients can typically visit the general surgery department. This department has a broad scope of diagnosis and treatment, covering various diseases affecting different body parts and organs, and is capable of diagnosing and treating such conditions.

2. Cardiovascular Surgery

Patients may also visit the cardiovascular surgery department. This specialty primarily focuses on examining, diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases related to the heart and blood vessels, although it can also treat other vascular disorders.

3. Vascular Surgery

Patients can make appointments with the vascular surgery department. This department specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions involving cerebral vessels, cardiac vessels, and other peripheral blood vessels. Since the carotid artery is a major blood vessel in the human body, patients can appropriately seek care in this department.

In addition, patients may also consider visiting the neurosurgery department. It is recommended to seek treatment at a正规 medical institution to ensure targeted therapy and promote recovery.

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Atherosclerotic Plaque Treatment

The treatment of atherosclerotic plaques primarily relies on pharmacotherapy. Clinically, commonly used medications include statins—such as atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin. With continuous advancements in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation technologies, TCM patent medicines like Zhiyang Kang have also seen increasingly widespread clinical application. Atherosclerotic plaques are predominantly diagnosed using color Doppler ultrasound, and treatment outcomes vary among individuals.

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How is atherosclerotic plaque treated?

For the treatment of atherosclerotic plaques, conservative management should be initiated first—such as antiplatelet agents and statins—to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce vascular inflammation, thereby stabilizing the plaque and preventing further progression of atherosclerosis. Additionally, patients should be advised to quit smoking and alcohol consumption, engage in appropriate physical activity, and follow a low-salt, low-fat diet.

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Treatment of Atherosclerotic Plaques in the Lower Limb Arteries

Atherosclerosis of the lower limb arteries with plaque formation can be treated with oral plaque-stabilizing medications. The most commonly used drugs include atorvastatin. If symptoms of lower limb arterial atherosclerosis are severe and accompanied by plaque formation, the risk of progressive lower limb arterial occlusion increases, necessitating timely surgical intervention. During surgery, stent placement may be required; however, the specific treatment plan must be individualized based on the patient’s clinical condition.

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What should I do about atherosclerotic plaque formation?

Once atherosclerotic plaques develop within blood vessels, it signifies that atherosclerosis has already progressed significantly. Preventive measures should be initiated as soon as possible, targeting risk factors including hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, obesity, and smoking. Smoking cessation is critical—including avoidance of secondhand smoke—and should be combined with active weight management, regular monitoring of blood pressure, lipid levels, and blood glucose, as well as adherence to a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet.

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How to Remove Atherosclerotic Plaques

Patients with atherosclerotic plaques cannot have them completely removed; only symptom relief is possible. Currently, the following medications are clinically proven to slow the onset and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. In daily diet, prioritize light, easily digestible foods to facilitate increased intake of vegetables and fruits. However, avoid high-fat and greasy foods.

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What should I do about carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques?

Carotid atherosclerotic plaques require conservative management. Conservative treatment can slow the progression of atherosclerosis and may include aspirin and statins to regulate lipid levels. Patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia should receive appropriate and effective treatment; maintain emotional stability; adhere to healthy work–rest routines; follow a light diet; and consume low-salt, low-fat, and high-fiber foods.

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Can atherosclerotic plaques be removed?

Atherosclerotic plaques cannot be removed. Once a patient has developed atherosclerotic plaques, removal is typically very difficult. Patients can only take relevant medications to prevent disease progression, thereby relatively slowing its advancement. For example, patients are advised—under their physician’s guidance—to take oral antiplatelet and anti-atherosclerotic agents, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or ticagrelor.

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Is the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the right carotid artery serious?

If the atherosclerotic plaque in the right carotid artery is relatively small in size and number, and does not significantly block the arterial lumen or cause blood stasis, it is usually not severe. However, if the plaque is large and has caused significant vessel obstruction, the condition is typically more serious. It may lead to insufficient blood supply to the brain, resulting in symptoms such as headache and dizziness, and in severe cases, may cause cerebral infarction.

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