Carotid Ultrasound

Services: Carotid Ultrasound

A Carotid Duplex Scan combines a conventional and a Doppler ultrasound to produce an image of the arteries that carry blood to your brain. A buildup of cholesterol in these arteries could restrict blood flow or create blood clots that can cause a stroke.

Heart disease and stroke caused by carotid artery disease affect nearly 1 million people per year in the United States, and stroke is the leading cause of death and disability in Americans over 65 years of age.

A Carotid Duplex Ultrasound is the most common test for diagnosing carotid artery disease, and is a simple exam that takes less than 30 minutes but could also save many lives. The technician will ask you to lie down, apply gel to your neck, then use a small ultrasound transducer to examine your arteries.

Patient Preparation: No smoking or caffeine use for at least two hours prior to the test. Remove any jewelry, and wear comfortable clothing with an open neck and avoid fabrics that could be stained by the ultrasound gel.

Typical Time: 30 minutes

Your doctor may recommend a Carotid Duplex Scan if you have medical conditions that contribute to the risk of a stroke, including:

  • High Blood Pressure
  • Diabetes
  • High Cholesterol
  • Family History of Stroke of Heart Disease