That sounds stressful, especially with surgery on the line. Carotid artery calcification can sometimes be spotted on dental X-rays, and it's good your dentist caught it early so it can be properly evaluated.
People with RA do have a higher risk of cardiovascular-related issues, so it's especially important to follow up on Show Full Answer
That sounds stressful, especially with surgery on the line. Carotid artery calcification can sometimes be spotted on dental X-rays, and it's good your dentist caught it early so it can be properly evaluated.
People with RA do have a higher risk of cardiovascular-related issues, so it's especially important to follow up on this finding promptly with your doctor. Here are some steps worth considering:
- Follow up quickly with your primary care doctor or a specialist about the finding before your surgery date
- Let your surgical team know about the potential calcification, as they'll need this information for pre-surgical planning
- Ask about imaging tests — an ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to get a clearer picture of what's going on in the carotid artery
- Don't cancel your surgery prematurely — wait for the test results and let your doctors coordinate the best plan
A myRAteam member once shared a similar experience of needing multiple specialists to coordinate care before a procedure. You're doing the right thing by staying on top of it. Hang in there! 💪
June 8
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