Once the plaque is there, only surgery can remove it. However, steps towards slowing the growth in the blockage can help reduce your chances of stroke. First and foremost: stop smoking! We know that smoking can accelerate the growth of the plaque that causes carotid disease, as well as cardiovascular disease throughout all of the arteries in your body. Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels is also very important. Consulting with your doctor for medications to achieve the best levels of blood pressure and cholesterol (good and bad forms) may also be necessary.

If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to control your diabetes and manage your cholesterol levels. Diabetes is known to increase the risk of arterial disease. If you have diabetes, your cholesterol level needs to be lower than levels for a person without diabetes.