Carotid Artery Stenosis with SSc?

[HJP7]

Hi, SSc/overlap DM for 20 years (prednisolone, mycophenolate etc) Recent dx of Carotid Artery Disease (thankfully before any TIA or stroke)

My Q is - I'm in doctor led clinic on Friday & have been told that it is unrelated to SSc & that it's an age/lifestyle issue( I'm 62 & don't agree with the lifestyle bit except that my exercise is limited by disease)

I don't agree as I've found some scholarly articles online that suggest that there is a link (it's vascular!)

I'd be very interested in anyone else's experience. Plus I've yet to be referred to a consultant/care because apparently, it's rare to be found before a stroke (& this is meant to be helpful/comforting because it's an opportune diagnosis?! Help please.