Carotid Ultrasound

What is a carotid ultrasound?

Carotid ultrasounds use sound waves to generate images of your carotid arteries. Your carotid arteries, which are on either side of your neck, convey blood from your heart to your brain. This means that healthy carotid arteries are crucial for a healthy brain.

During a carotid ultrasound, our cardiologist looks inside your carotid arteries to see if they're narrowed or blocked due to plaque accumulation. If you have narrowed or blocked carotid arteries, your risk for stroke is greatly increased. The carotid ultrasound can identify problems early to help you prevent stroke and other serious health problems.

When do I need a carotid ultrasound?

Your physician might recommend a carotid ultrasound if you had a recent stroke or transient ischemic attack. A transient ischemic attack is similar to a stroke, but the blockage resolves on its own within a day. However, if you have transient ischemic attacks your risk for stroke increases significantly, so it's important that you get diagnosis and treatment.

Even if you haven't had a stroke or transient ischemic attack, your doctor may recommend a carotid ultrasound if you have certain risk factors for stroke, such as:

• Current coronary artery disease
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• A family history of heart disease
• A family history of stroke
• Irregular movement in your carotid arteries, detected by a stethoscope

A carotid ultrasound at Cardiology Now is a simple, safe, and smooth procedure.

How does the carotid ultrasound work?

You'll lay down comfortably, as your Cardiology Now care provider moves a handheld transducer over your neck to generate the images of your carotid arteries. The process is pain-free and usually takes only around half an hour.

Our cardiologist evaluates the information the same day of your appointment, and will then give you results right away. They’ll also communicate clearly with your referring doctor.

What happens after my carotid ultrasound?

If your carotid ultrasound shows that your carotid arteries are narrowed or blocked, changes are in order. The Cardiology Team may recommend changes such as:

• A healthier diet, with low cholesterol and low fat
• Regular exercise
• No smoking

If you make the right wellness changes now, you can greatly reduce stroke risk while also improving your whole-body health.

Need a carotid ultrasound or another heart testing? Cardiology Now is here to help, giving you same-day test results and compassionate support. Book your same-day or next-day appointment for a carotid ultrasound by phone or through the online scheduler now.