At the relatively young age of 56, Michael McCrudden of Annapolis was shocked to learn that his right carotid artery was almost completely blocked. Though he was symptom-free, Mr. McCrudden chose to participate in a free vascular screening program sponsored by his diabetes support group. If you're in a high-risk group like me, you need to be vigilant. It was purely luck that we found out in time. As the average age of the population rises, so does the prevalence of vascular disease.
Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all areas of the body.
They normally have a smooth lining that prevents blood clotting and promotes optimal blood flow. The arteries gradually narrow to the point where the flow of blood to the heart, brain and extremities becomes insufficient. In some cases, blood flow is completely blocked. The legs and feet are often the first areas to be affected, although some patients may have a stroke or mini-strokes from blockages in the carotid artery in the neck. Vascular disease is a slow process that can gradually progress over a lifetime.