How is a carotid ultrasound study performed?
The patient will be lying face up on an examination table. A clear gel is applied to the neck area which allows the ultrasound waves to travel through the body. A small wand-like instrument called a transducer is placed firmly against the skin and images are recorded by the technologist.
You may hear noise during the exam, which is the sound of blood flowing through the arteries. For the CIMT test, wear comfortable clothing with a loose fitting collar. The exam takes approximately 10 minutes.
The carotid arteries are a pair of blood vessels located on both sides of your neck that deliver blood to your brain and head.
The primary purpose of a CIMT is to test for thickening in the walls of the carotid arteries that indicate an increased risk of stroke and heart disease.
Narrowing of carotid arteries is usually caused by plaque — a buildup of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances that circulate in the bloodstream. Early detection of narrowed carotid arteries enables your doctor to begin treatments to improve blood flow to your brain and decrease your risk of stroke.
Your doctor may recommend a carotid ultrasound if you have medical conditions that increase the risk of stroke, including:
What happens after the examination?
The good news is that an increased vascular age is often reversible. This is why it is so important to identify your risk at an early stage (age) allowing you to take appropriate actions yourself. In addition, using the results of the CIMT scan, your health consultant/doctor can provide expert, personalized guidance on how to best lower and control your risk of heart attack or stroke. This guidance almost always include lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, and quitting smoking. In some cases medication may be required to help to further control the cholesterol or blood pressure levels for high risk individuals.
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