![]() ![]() Don’t wear a necklace or dangling earrings.Wear a comfortable shirt with no collar or an open collar.Call the day before the exam to confirm the time and location of the exam.You can take the following steps to prepare for your appointment: Detect other abnormalities in the structure of a carotid artery that may disrupt blood flow.Locate a collection of clotted blood (hematoma) that may inhibit blood flow.Evaluate the placement and treatment effect of a stent, a mesh tube used to improve blood flow through an artery by mechanically decreasing the narrowing.Evaluate the structure and function of the artery after surgery to remove plaques (carotid endarterectomy).Your doctor also may order a carotid ultrasound to: ![]() The test can indicate reduced or blocked blood flow to your legs. This test measures and compares your ankle’s blood pressure and your arm’s blood pressure. You may have an abdominal ultrasound to test for conditions affecting the blood vessels or organs in your abdominal area. You’ll have a Doppler ultrasound that evaluates the blood flow through your carotid arteries.Ī carotid ultrasound may be used in combination with other tests to screen for narrowed or blocked blood vessels in other areas of your body, including: Abnormal sound in carotid arteries (bruit), detected by your doctor using a stethoscope.Recent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.Family history of stroke or heart disease.Your doctor may recommend a carotid ultrasound if you have medical conditions that increase the risk of stroke, including: Early detection of narrowed carotid arteries enables your doctor to begin treatments to improve blood flow to your brain and decrease your risk of stroke. Narrowing of carotid arteries is usually caused by plaque - a buildup of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances that circulate in the bloodstream. The primary purpose of a carotid ultrasound is to test for narrowed carotid arteries that indicate an increased risk of stroke. Results from a carotid ultrasound can help your doctor determine what kind of treatment you may need to lower your risk of stroke. Carotid arteries deliver blood from your heart to your brain.Ĭarotid ultrasound is usually used to test for blocked or narrowed carotid arteries, which can indicate an increased risk of stroke. Your two carotid arteries are located on each side of your neck. Carotid (kuh-ROT-id) ultrasound is a safe, painless procedure that uses sound waves to examine the structure and function of the carotid arteries in your neck.
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