The Scan That Saved My Life

After decades of exercise and healthy eating, a reporter’s blocked artery came as a shock; the debate over testing to prevent debilitating strokes

“Let’s talk about your test results,” my neurologist said.

She looked as if she had good news. Instead, it was shocking.

The carotid artery on the left side of my neck, one of the brain’s two main sources of blood and oxygen, was clogged with fatty plaque, the doctor said. The artery was almost completely blocked.

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