MedicineNet

Carotid Artery Disease Center - Bozeman, MT

Bozeman Cardiologist Doctors for Carotid Artery Disease

Type of Physician: Cardiologist

What is a Cardiologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners are expert in diseases of the heart, lungs and blood vessels. They consult with surgeons on heart surgery, perform diagnostic procedures, and manage complex conditions such as heart attacks and arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat).

Specialty: Cardiology

Common Name: Heart Doctor

Cardiologist Doctors in Bozeman *

Blair D Erb MD
Blair D Erb
905 Highland Blvd
STE 4330
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 522-3959

Helena Cardiology Clinic
Richard D Paustian
32 Medical Park Dr
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 449-7943

Bozeman, Montana

Upcoming Local Events

2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - Bozeman
Throughout Bozeman, Montana
2012-07-29
2012-08-25
2012-09-08
The Cowboy Run
Gallatin Gateway, Montana
2012-09-09
Bozeman Marathon
Bozeman, Montana
2012-10-13
2012-11-22

Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid Artery Disease Introduction

Carotid artery disease is also called carotid artery stenosis. The term refers to the narrowing of the carotid arteries. This narrowing is usually caused by the buildup of fatty substances and cholesterol deposits, called plaque. Carotid artery occlusion refers to complete blockage of the artery. When the carotid arteries are obstructed, you are at an increased risk for a stroke, the third leading cause of death in the U.S.

How Does Carotid Artery Disease Happen?

Like the arteries that supply blood to the heart -- the coronary arteries -- the carotid arteries can also develop atherosclerosis or ?hardening of the arteries? on the inside of the vessels.

Over time, the buildup of fatty substances and cholesterol narrows the carotid arteries. This decreases blood flow to the brain and increases the risk of a stroke.

A stroke -- sometimes called a ?brain attack? -- is similar to a heart attack. It occurs when blood flow is cut off from part of the brain. If the lack of blood flow lasts for more than 3 to 6 hours, the damage is usually permanent. A stroke can occur if:

  • the artery becomes extremely narrowed
  • there's a rupture in an artery to the brain that has atherosclerosis
  • a piece of plaque breaks off and travels to the smaller arteries of the brain
  • a blood clot forms and obstructs a blood vessel

Strokes can occur as a result of other conditions besides carotid artery disease. For example, sudden bleeding in the brain, called intracerebral hemorrhage, can cause a stroke. Other possible causes include:

  • sudden bleeding in the spinal fluid space -- subarachnoid hemorrhage
  • atrial fibrillation
  • cardiomyopathy
  • blockage of tiny arteries inside the brain

What Are the Risk Factors for Carotid Artery Disease?

The risk factors f...

Recommended Reading Related to Carotid Artery Disease

Ultrasound »

Introduction

While the patient's history and physical examination are the building blocks of making a medical diagnosis, the ability to peer inside the body can be a powerful tool. Ultrasound is an imaging technique that provides that ability to medical practitioners.

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound produces sound waves that are beamed into the body causing return echoes that are recorded to "visualize" structures beneath the skin. The ability to measure different echoes reflected from a variety of tissues allows a shadow picture to be constructed. The technology is especially accurate at seeing the interface between solid and fluid filled spaces. These are actually the same principles that allow SONAR on boats to see the bottom of the ocean.

What is ultrasonography?

Ultrasonography is body imaging using ultrasound in medical diagnosis. A skilled ultrasound technician is able to...

Emergency Contact for Bozeman

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Bozeman Hospitals *

Bozeman Deaconess Hospital
915 Highland Blvd
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406)585-5000

Livingston Memorial Hospital
504 S 13th St
Livingston, MT 59047
(406)222-3541

*Provider Directory Terms of Use:

The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval.

You are prohibited from using, downloading, republishing, selling, duplicating, or "scraping" for commercial or any other purpose whatsoever, the Provider Directory or any of the data listings or other information contained therein, in whole or in part, in any medium whatsoever.

The Provider Directory is provided on an "AS-IS" basis. WebMD disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose. Without limiting the foregoing, WebMD does not warrant or represent that the Provider Directory or any part thereof is accurate or complete. You assume full responsibility for the communications with any Provider you contact through the Provider Directory. WebMD shall in no event be liable to you or to anyone for any decision made or action taken by you in the reliance on information provided in the Provider Directory.

The use of WebMD Provider Directory by any entity or individual to verify the credentials of Providers is prohibited. The database of Provider information which drives WebMD Provider Directory does not contain sufficient information with which to verify Provider credentials under the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) of the Utilization Review Accreditation Committee (URAC).

By using the WebMD Provider Directory, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.