Carotid Ultrasound: A Simple Test That Can Detect Stroke Risk

Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability. Many strokes are caused by plaque buildup in the carotid arteries — the two large blood vessels in your neck that supply blood to your brain. A simple, painless ultrasound can detect this buildup before a stroke happens.

What Is a Carotid Ultrasound?

A carotid ultrasound (also called carotid duplex) uses sound waves to create images of the carotid arteries in your neck. Doppler technology measures blood flow speed and direction, revealing whether plaque is narrowing these critical vessels.

What Can It Detect?

Carotid Stenosis (Narrowing) Plaque made of cholesterol, calcium, and other substances builds up inside the artery wall, gradually narrowing the channel. Carotid ultrasound can measure the degree of narrowing: - **Less than 50% stenosis:** Mild — usually managed with medication and lifestyle changes - **50-69% stenosis:** Moderate — closer monitoring needed - **70% or more:** Severe — may require surgical intervention (carotid endarterectomy or stenting)

Plaque Characteristics Not all plaque is equally dangerous. Ultrasound can help characterize plaque as stable (calcified, hard) vs. unstable (soft, ulcerated — more likely to break off and cause a stroke).

Blood Flow Abnormalities Doppler measures blood velocity. Higher-than-normal velocities indicate narrowing, even if plaque isn't directly visible.

Who Should Get a Carotid Ultrasound?

Your doctor may recommend one if you have: - A carotid bruit (abnormal sound heard with a stethoscope) - History of TIA (transient ischemic attack / "mini-stroke") - Prior stroke - Known coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease - Significant risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, family history of stroke

Age consideration: Risk increases significantly after age 55. Some physicians recommend screening for high-risk patients even without symptoms.

What to Expect

1. You'll lie on your back with your head turned slightly
2. Warm gel is applied to both sides of your neck
3. The technologist moves the transducer along your neck, taking images and measurements
4. You'll hear "whooshing" sounds — that's the Doppler detecting blood flow
5. The exam takes 30-45 minutes
6. **No preparation needed** — eat, drink, and take medications normally

The test is completely painless and uses no radiation.

Why Early Detection Matters

About 87% of strokes are ischemic — caused by blocked blood flow to the brain. Many of these originate from carotid artery disease. Detecting significant stenosis before a stroke allows for preventive treatment through medication (blood thinners, statins, blood pressure control), lifestyle modifications, or surgical intervention when stenosis is severe.

The carotid ultrasound is one of the most valuable preventive screening tools available — especially for high-risk patients.

Schedule Your Carotid Ultrasound

Call (727) 398-5999 to schedule. Most exams are completed in under an hour, and results are sent to your physician within 48 hours.