Carotid IMT Scanning

Carotid IMT uses ultrasound technology to measure the thickness of the first two layers of the carotid arteries located in the neck, where blood-flow-blocking plaque - known as Atherosclerosis - first develops.

Why look at the neck when you are interested in the heart?

The carotid arteries provide a "window" to the coronary (heart) arteries. By evaluating the amount of plaque build-up in the carotid arteries, it is possible to assess the amount of plaque in the coronary arteries.

Abnormal, premature thickening of the arterial walls is an early indicator of vascular disease throughout the body. The thicker the arterial wall, the greater the risk for heart attack or stroke.

What is Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. It is caused by the slow buildup of plaque on the inside of walls of the arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body. It is a slow, progressive disease that may start in childhood, and can affect the arteries of the brain, heart, kidneys, arms and legs.

Facts About Atherosclerosis

• Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in your blood. As it grows, the buildup of plaque narrows the inside of the artery and, in time, may restrict blood flow and even calcify. Once calcification occurs, the blockage and buildup can only be removed through surgery.
• Hard plaque causes artery walls to thicken and harden. Soft plaque is more likely to break apart from the walls and enter the bloodstream, which can cause blood clots that can partially or totally block the flow of blood in the artery.
• As plaque builds up, it can cause serious diseases and complications. These include coronary artery diseases (angina and heart attacks) and cerebrovascular disease (strokes).
• Atherosclerosis usually does not cause symptoms until it severely narrows or totally blocks an artery. Therefore, it is usually diagnosed AFTER you develop complications.

Atherosclerosis Risk Factors

Scientists do not know the exact cause, but they do know that certain conditions increase your chance of developing Atherosclerosis.

Risk factors that you can’t control:

• Age—as you get older, your risk increases. Men-after 45, women-after 55.
• Family history of early heart disease or stroke.

Risk factors that you can control:

• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• Cigarette/tobacco smoking
• Diabetes
• Overweight
• Lack of physical activity
• Stressful lifestyle