Rakesh Roshan’s Sudden Surgery Sparks Questions: Are You Missing This Vital Scan Too?

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Veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, 75, recently underwent a preventive neck angioplasty after a routine health check revealed over 75% blockage in both carotid arteries-a condition that, left untreated, could have resulted in a major stroke. Roshan had no symptoms and credits a thorough doctor who included a neck scan alongside his heart check-up.

Thankfully, the procedure went smoothly, and Roshan is now back home, eager to resume his workouts. But his story offers more than just relief-it offers a warning. Here's what we can all learn from it.

What Are Carotid Arteries?

Your carotid arteries are the two large blood vessels in your neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to your brain. A carotid artery blockage, medically known as carotid artery stenosis, happens when these arteries become narrowed due to plaque buildup-a mix of fat, cholesterol, and calcium.

Over time, this narrowing can reduce blood flow to the brain and significantly increase the risk of stroke.

How Does This Condition Develop?

The most common cause is atherosclerosis, where arteries harden due to accumulated plaque. This buildup can rupture, causing blood clots that travel to the brain, resulting in an ischemic stroke.

Photo Credit: Flipkart

Some people may have gradual narrowing, while others might develop sudden critical blockage just like in Rakesh Roshan's case.

Who Is At Risk?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of carotid artery disease:

• Age (especially over 50)
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Obesity and inactivity
• Family history of vascular disease
• Existing heart or peripheral artery disease

Even those without symptoms as seen with Roshan can have dangerously high levels of blockage.

What Are The Symptoms?

This condition is often called a silent risk because many people don't show symptoms until it's too late. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Temporary vision loss in one eye
• Dizziness or unsteady walking

Sometimes, doctors may detect a bruit, a whooshing sound in the neck during a physical exam, indicating turbulent blood flow.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Several tests help detect carotid artery narrowing:

• Carotid Doppler Ultrasound - a painless, non-invasive first step
• CT Angiography (CTA) or MR Angiography (MRA) - for detailed images of the arteries
• Cerebral Angiography - an invasive test used in select cases

In Roshan's case, a neck scan was included in his heart screening-something not routinely done, but clearly life-saving.

What Are The Treatment Options?

The approach depends on the severity of the blockage:

1. Lifestyle And Medication (For Mild/Moderate cases)

• Quit smoking
• Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
• Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet
• Take prescribed medication (aspirin, statins, etc.)

2. Surgical Intervention (For blockages >70% Or Symptomatic Patients)

• Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA): Surgery to remove plaque from the artery
• Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS): A less invasive method where a stent keeps the artery open

Roshan underwent angioplasty and stenting, likely due to the high degree of narrowing.

What Happens After Treatment?

Post-procedure, patients usually require:

• Regular ultrasound scans to monitor artery health
• Continued medication (antiplatelets, cholesterol-lowering drugs)
• Long-term control of blood pressure and diabetes
• Lifestyle changes to prevent recurrence

With the right follow-up, patients can live full, healthy lives with significantly reduced stroke risk.

Why Early Detection Is Crucial

Carotid artery disease is responsible for 10-15% of all ischemic strokes. Because many people don't have symptoms, the only way to catch it in time is through preventive screening especially if you're over 45 or have risk factors.

Rakesh Roshan's story shows how one scan not even originally intended for the neck revealed a dangerous condition in time to prevent a life-altering stroke.

Don't Wait For Symptoms

Rakesh Roshan reminds us that some of the most dangerous health threats are the ones we don't feel. If you're over 45 or have conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, ask your doctor about including a carotid artery scan in your next health check-up.

As Roshan put it: "I had no symptoms... I was saved in time. Prevention is always better than cure." Don't wait for a sign, get checked before it's too late.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.