Carotid ultrasound
About this test
Carotid (kuh-ROT-id) ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive, painless procedure that uses sound waves to examine the blood flow through the carotid arteries. It also evaluates the thickness of the carotid artery wall and checks for clots. One carotid artery is located on each side of the neck. These arteries deliver blood from the heart to the brain.
Why it's done
A carotid ultrasound is done to look for for narrowed carotid arteries, which increase the risk of stroke. Carotid arteries are usually narrowed by a buildup of plaque — made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances that circulate in the bloodstream. Early diagnosis and treatment of a narrowed carotid artery can decrease stroke risk. Your health care provider orders a carotid ultrasound if you have a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke, or other types of strokes. Your provider also may recommend a carotid ultrasound if you have a medical condition that increases the risk of a stroke, including: High blood pressure Diabetes High cholesterol Family history of stroke or heart disease Recent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke Unusual sound in the carotid arteries (bruit) detected using a stethoscope Coronary artery disease Hardening of the arteries
How to prepare
You can take the following steps to prepare for your appointment: Call the day before the exam to confirm the time and location of the exam. Wear a comfortable shirt with no collar or an open collar. Don't wear a necklace or dangling earrings. Unless your health care provider or the radiology lab provides special instructions, you shouldn't need to make any other preparations.
Understanding your results
A doctor who specializes in imaging tests, called a radiologist, will review your test results, then prepare a report for the health care provider who ordered the test. This may be your health care provider, a doctor trained in heart and blood vessel conditions, called a cardiologist, or a doctor trained in brain and nervous system conditions, called a neurologist. The radiologist also may discuss the results of the test with you immediately after the procedure. The health care provider who ordered the test will explain to you what the carotid ultrasound revealed and what that means for you. If the test shows that you're at risk of a stroke, your health care provider may recommend the following therapies depending on the severity of the blockage in your arteries: Eat a healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals, and limit saturated fat. Exercise regularly. Keep a healthy weight. Eat a heart-healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet Don't smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke. Take medications to lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Take medications to prevent blood clots. Have a surgical procedure to remove carotid artery plaques. This procedure is called carotid endarterectomy. Have a surgical procedure to open and support your carotid arteries. This procedure is called carotid angioplasty and stenting. If your health care provider ordered the carotid ultrasound as a follow-up to a surgical procedure, your provider can explain whether the treatment is working and whether you'll need additional treatment or follow-up exams.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.