Age, race are among factors that influence carotid-surge...(al findings included: Advanced age...),Health

• Advanced age (defined in the NYCAS study as 80 years or older) increased the risk-adjusted odds of death or stroke by 30 percent;
• Non-white patients were 83 percent more likely to have a negative outcome within 30 days;
• Having coronary artery disease increased the odds of death or stroke by 51 percent; and
• Having diabetes treated with insulin increased the odds of death or stroke by 55 percent.

In addition, the more serious the neurological symptoms a patient had from the blockage of the carotid artery, the higher the risk of negative outcomes. Patients who suffered a stroke or temporary stroke in the year before carotid surgery also had increased risks.

"Having one risk factor would not necessarily be a reason not to have the surgery, but having multiple risk factors, like being over the age of 80 with heart disease and diabetes, might tip the balance for many patients in favor of medical management," Dr. Halm said.

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