Carotid Ultrasound Testing: Why It's Done, and What It Can Reveal

Heart disease and stroke are among the leading causes of death in the United States. By staying on top of your cardiovascular health, which includes your heart and arteries, you can lower your odds of becoming one of those statistics. 

Beyond leading a healthy lifestyle and having your blood pressure checked regularly, a carotid ultrasound may be your best preventive bet if you’re vulnerable to arterial problems. The minimally invasive test can also help assess ongoing issues. 

Board-certified neurologist Dr. Farhad Elyaderani and his team, located in New Rochelle and Yonkers, New York, provide carotid ultrasound testing to evaluate stenosis and stroke risk.

Here’s a closer look at this safe and effective screening, including why it’s done and what to expect during and after your own.

How carotid ultrasound testing works

Your carotid arteries on each side of your neck deliver blood from your heart to your brain. A carotid ultrasound analyzes blood flow through these arteries using sound waves.

Carotid ultrasounds are painless and brief, typically taking about 30 minutes. Before the test begins, your provider will apply a special gel to the sides of your neck. Then they’ll move the ultrasound device over the area to send images to a computer. 

Why you might need a carotid ultrasound

Because a carotid ultrasound detects blockages from blood clots and narrowed arteries, Dr. Elyaderani may recommend one to assess your personal risk for blockage-related cardiac events.

In particular, he may suggest the screening if you:

• Are 55 or older
• Are 40 or older and have heart disease risk factors
• Have high cholesterol or blood pressure
• Have a personal or family history of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke
• May be having coronary bypass surgery 

You may also benefit from a carotid ultrasound if you’ve had an arterial surgery or if a previous checkup showed narrowing. Having diabetes or a hematoma could also make you a good candidate.

Carotid ultrasound results

After your carotid ultrasound, Dr. Elyaderani will discuss the results with you. The test may show that your arteries are blocked and to what degree (percentage). A “normal” result means you don’t have any blockage or narrowing. 

If your ultrasound reveals 50-60% plaque buildup in one or both of your carotid arteries, you may benefit from lifestyle changes, such as a heart-healthy diet, increased exercise, or stopping smoking. From there, follow-up tests can help ensure that your arterial health is moving in the right direction.

If you have more severe narrowing or mild narrowing with additional cardiovascular risk factors or symptoms, you’ll likely need medical treatment. Depending on the severity of your issues, treatment may involve medication, a procedure, or both.

To learn more about carotid ultrasounds or find out what heart disease or stroke test is right for you, call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani or request an appointment online today.