The test uses a high-frequency sound to create images of the insides of two large arteries in your neck, so a cardiologist or vascular surgeon can review their structure and see any plaque buildup. If your doctor suspects you have carotid artery disease, the next step is typically a carotid ultrasound.Ĭarotid ultrasound testing is completely painless.
In many cases, we can diagnose carotid artery disease and treat it before a stroke occurs. People often don't realize they have it until they experience a stroke.
Approximately 50 percent of strokes result from carotid artery disease.Ĭarotid artery disease can be elusive. When its path is clear, the blood flows quietly and evenly.īecause it can block blood flow to the brain, carotid artery disease is a leading cause of stroke. Abruitis the sound the blood makes when it is flowing, or attempting to fl ow past an obstacle such as plaque buildup. If they narrow or become blocked because of a buildup of plaque (a substance made up of fat, cholesterol and calcium, among other things, found in the blood), your doctor may hear a whooshing sound called a bruit when he or she listens to your carotid arteries through a stethoscope. The carotid arteries carry oxygenrich blood to your brain, face, scalp and neck. Whoosh! That sound may be telling your doctor that you have carotid artery disease.
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