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Carotid Artery Disease Center - Rapid City, SD

Rapid City 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 Rapid City *

Dakota Cardiovascular
Kelly E Vaughn Whitley
343 Quincy St
STE STE 104
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 341-1300

The Heart Doctors
Samuel J Durr
4150 5th St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 399-4300

The Heart Doctors
Michael T D'Urso
4150 5th St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 399-4300

The Heart Doctors
Lewis N Ferrier
4150 5th St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 399-4300

The Heart Doctors
Lizanne Laird
4150 5th St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 399-4300

The Heart Doctors
Evelyn M Provell
4150 5th St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 399-4300

The Heart Doctors
Drew A Purdy
4150 5th St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 399-4300

The Heart Doctors
Jorge E Sanmartin
4150 5th St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 399-4300

The Heart Doctors
Alexander M Schabauer
4150 5th St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 399-4300

The Heart Doctors
Dirk Vandergon
4150 5th St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 399-4300

The Heart Doctors
James S Walder
4150 5th St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 399-4300

Rapid City, South Dakota

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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 Rapid City

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Rapid City Hospitals *

Regional West Center for Behavioral Health
915 Mountain View Rd
Rapid City, SD 57702
(605)719-7200

Rapid City Regional Hospital
353 Fairmont Blvd
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605)719-1000

Black Hills Rehabilitation Hospital
2908 5th St
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605)719-1100

Rapid City Indian Health Service Hospital
3200 Canyon Lake Dr
Rapid City, SD 57702
(605)355-2500

Sturgis Community Health Care Center
949 Harmon St
Sturgis, SD 57785
(605)347-2536

VA Black Hills Health Care System Fort Meade
113 Comanche Rd
Fort Meade, SD 57741
(605)347-2511

Custer Community Hospital
1039 Montgomery St
Custer, SD 57730
(605)673-2229

Northern Hills General Hospital
61 Charles St
Deadwood, SD 57732
(605)578-2313

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