title: Ask the doctor. I am 86 years old and have high blood pressure and diabetes. As part of my last physical exam, my doctor ordered tests to check my carotid arteries. They showed that one was nearly 70% blocked. My doctor said I had to have surgery right away of I would have a stroke. Is she right? I am the only person taking care of my 88-year-old husband, and can't be away from him for long.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors