What is a carotid ultrasound?
A carotid ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging test that uses sound wave technology to capture images of the inside of your carotid arteries in the neck.
The purpose of the carotid ultrasound is to identify plaque buildup in the artery that may be blocking blood flow to your brain. If left untreated, carotid blockages can result in a stroke and long-term health complications.
Why do I need a carotid ultrasound?
Your Marion Physician Associates provider may request a carotid ultrasound if you have certain risk factors for a stroke, such as:
- Family history
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
Chronic diseases like diabetes or existing heart disease can also increase your risk for a stroke and you may need carotid ultrasound screenings as part of your preventive health care.
Your Marion Physician Associates doctor can discuss the benefits of carotid ultrasound testing and other cardiology diagnostics based on your health history and current health.
What can I expect during a carotid ultrasound?
Marion Physician Associates offers carotid ultrasounds in a comfortable office environment. The test is painless and requires no anesthesia.
You can expect to lie comfortably on an exam table. Your Marion Physician Associates provider then applies a gel to your neck to help the hand-held ultrasound transducer glide easily over your carotid artery.
Your provider moves the transducer around your neck to capture details about your carotid artery health. The transducer delivers sound waves through the surface of your skin. These waves bounce off the walls of your arteries and send back images of the interior of your artery to an external monitor.
These images allow your Marion Physician Associates provider to assess how well blood is flowing. The results of your carotid ultrasound can confirm or rule out an arterial blockage.
You may feel some pressure from the transducer, but the test is relatively quick and requires no special preparation.
To learn more about the diagnostic benefits of carotid ultrasound, schedule a consultation with the cardiology team at Marion Physician Associates, P.A. today by calling the office nearest you or requesting an appointment online now.
