Recovery & Support for Carotid Artery Disease

After you’ve developed carotid artery disease, it’s important to follow up with your NYU Langone doctor for annual physical exams. Your doctor monitors you for signs of hypertension, or high blood pressure, a condition that can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries.

He or she also checks your cholesterol levels. If you have diabetes, the doctor routinely assesses your blood sugar levels.

Your doctor conducts imaging tests to ensure you have not developed another plaque blockage in the carotid arteries. This may include the use of duplex ultrasound, which combines conventional and Doppler ultrasound to create a moving image of blood flow through the vessels.

Nutritional Guidance

It’s important to maintain a healthy weight and eat nutritiously after treatment for carotid artery disease. This helps you to reduce your blood pressure and maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Registered dietitians and nutritionists at NYU Langone can work with you to develop a diet that reduces your risk of atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels that can lead to carotid artery disease. Your doctor can refer you to NYU Langone’s Weight Management Program for additional support.

Stroke Rehabilitation

If you have experienced stroke or ministroke, making lifestyle changes is especially important. After a stroke, you may be referred to the Comprehensive Stroke Center.

A team of specialists determines which rehabilitation services can be most helpful for you. You may receive physical therapy, speech and language therapy, or swallowing therapy.

Psychological Support

Your doctor can refer you to a social worker or a psychologist if needed. Our specialists offer one-on-one therapy to help you manage any depression or anxiety you may be experiencing since having a stroke.