Carotid Ultrasound

What is a Carotid Ultrasound?

Carotid Ultrasound uses sound waves (ultrasound) to image your carotid arteries in your neck. It’s non-invasive, uses no radiation, and shows blood flow in real-time. It’s quick, safe, and detects narrowing that can lead to strokes.

What Does It Show?

Carotid Ultrasound shows plaque buildup, artery narrowing (stenosis), and blood flow speed. It measures blockage percentage (0-100%) and measures the thickness of the inner layers of the arteries (intima-media thickness), which is helpful for cardiovascular risk estimation.

How Does It Help with Treatments?

Carotid Ultrasound guides your care by:

• Screening: Spots stroke risks in patients with factors like high cholesterol or smoking, helping decide on lifestyle changes or medications.

• Planning Procedures: Before heart surgery, this examination is often performed to exclude significant carotid artery disease and narrowing.

What Happens on the Day?

Here’s what to expect:

• Before: Wear comfy clothes. No fasting needed.

• During: Gel is applied to your neck with a handheld probe. You’ll lie still while images are taken (10-15 min). It’s painless and silent. No injection is required.

• After: Resume normal activities right away.