A look inside your carotid arteries using ultrasound technology.

Carotid (ka-ROT-id) ultrasound is a painless and harmless test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the insides of the two large arteries in your neck. These arteries, located on each side of your neck, are called carotid arteries and supply your brain with blood.

Carotid ultrasound shows whether a material called plaque (plak) has narrowed the arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. It builds up on the insides of your arteries as you age and can slow down or block the flow of blood through the artery, allowing a blood clot to form. A piece of the blood clot can break off and get stuck in the artery, blocking blood flow to the brain and ultimately, causing a stroke.

A carotid ultrasound shows the structure of your carotid artery. Your carotid ultrasound test may include a Doppler ultrasound. Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound that shows the movement of blood through your blood vessels. Your doctor will often need results from both types of ultrasound to fully assess if there is a problem with blood flow through your carotid arteries.

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How to prepare?

• Do not wear shirts with high collars or turtlenecks.
• Avoid wearing necklaces or chains.
• No special eating instructions.

How long is the test?
The test will take approximately 30 minutes.

What is a carotid ultrasound?
A carotid ultrasound is an ultrasound of the carotid arteries in the neck. An ultrasound device is moved up and down the neck with ultrasound gel which aids in the transmission of the sound waves. The ultrasound device sends sound waves into the arteries. The sound waves are transformed into a picture of the Carotid arteries and its blood flow. These pictures allow the physician to assess the size, shape and blood flow of the carotid arteries.

Why do I need a carotid ultrasound?
A carotid ultrasound is used to evaluate plaque/blockage in the carotid and sometimes vertebral vessels. It may be ordered if you have known disease, blacking out episodes, visual changes or a noise (bruit) over the carotid vessels.

When will I get results?
Dr. Manohar will discuss the results with you after your testing is complete.

This entry was posted on Sunday, March 7th, 2010 at 2:27 pm and is filed under Heart Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.