carotid stenosis

[bjr51]

I am a 51 year old woman with no risk factors for stroke or heart disease.During a routine physical my MD heard a bruit and subsequently was dx'd with low end carodid stenosis from a carotid duplex. My MD now says that I am a risk for stroke and heart disease. Although my cholesterol is 179 the LDL is 101 and I am being prescribed a statin. I am also taking baby aspirin. I having a hard time accepting this given my overall good health and no risk factors.
Can this ever be reversed or can it be a mistake?

[bjr51]

your were right..my second opinion told me I didn't have stenosis or a bruit, and no treatment indicated(including baby aspirin) as my cholesterol is within guidelines. Essentially I was told to forget about it. There is something about having these tests performed when you are asymtomatic and have no risk factors that is not helpful. I think the misnomer is that they are preventative when there is no evidence that they are. And there is a difference between a conservative and an aggressive physcian in their opinions. What I learned is that it's best to educate yourself and get another opinion if you feel something may not be right(in terms of diagnosis and in the delivery and treatment approach).Thanks for your feedback

[jim62]

I had a hard time accepting bypass surgery, given my overall good health and no risk factors.

Probably can't be reversed, but might be controlled somewhat.  Your cholesterol (LDL in particular) is pretty high so the statin is a good idea, I'd say.

As far as being a mistake--could be.  I assume they did a carotid doppler of your carotids.  The way I understand it, it would be possible for 2 doctors to read the same test and come up with different results.

Better to err on the side of safe, rather than sorry.

Good luck