Did your doctor recommend you have a carotid ultrasound? This test uses sound waves to measure blood flow in your carotid arteries (which are located on both sides of your neck). The reason this test is recommended is it allows you to detect disease at the earliest stage and with treatment you can avoid the disease. Learn why you need a carotid ultrasound and the benefits you get from this screening in this article. Get a consultation with the best cardiologists in Brooklyn.
Who Needs Carotid Ultrasound?
Carotid ultrasound is recommended when your doctor suspects that your carotid arteries may be narrowed by plaque and increase your risk of stroke or if you already experienced a mini-stroke or other types of strokes. Several risk factors that increase the risk of a stroke, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Family history of stroke or heart disease
- An unusual sound is detected from your carotid arteries by a stethoscope
- Coronary artery disease
- Hardening of the arteries
In addition, your doctor may recommend a carotid ultrasound to:
- Diagnose blood flow through the artery after plaque removal surgery. This procedure of removing plaques is called carotid endarterectomy.
- Diagnose the placement and effectiveness of a stent (which is a mesh tube used to improve blood flow from an artery).
- Locate a collection of clotted blood which is also called a hematoma, which blocks blood flow.
- Detects other carotid artery problems that affect blood flow.
- Predict coronary artery disease by measuring the thickness of the carotid artery and checking the characteristics of a plaque.
- Monitor carotid artery blood flow during aortic heart valve surgery to judge the risk of a stroke.
What happens during the procedure?
Before the procedure, you just need to wear a loose shirt with no collar or an open collar. Avoid wearing a necklace or dangling earrings as it makes it hard for the ultrasound machine on your neck to locate carotid arteries. Otherwise, there are no extra preparations.
During the procedure, your technician may follow these steps:
- You have to lie on your back on the examination table and the technician may adjust your head to get better access to the neck sides where the carotid arteries are located.
- The technician applies a warm gel to your neck skin where carotid arteries are located. This gel eliminates any air pockets that are made between your neck and the transducer (the ultrasound machine) and makes secure contact with the transducer.
- The technician brings the transducer close to your skin, transmits ultrasound waves to your neck, and rotates to certain angles to get a clear image. If you feel uncomfortable then make sure you talk to the ultrasound technician.
The images are sent to a monitor which is examined by a radiologist and a report is sent to the healthcare provider. It may take around 30 to 45 minutes. And you can go home right after the procedure.
What Does a Carotid Ultrasound Reveal?
A Carotid Ultrasound provides detailed, real-time images of your carotid arteries, which are the primary blood vessels delivering oxygen-rich blood to your brain. These images are carefully analyzed by a radiologist—a physician who specializes in reading imaging tests. Once the review is complete, the radiologist prepares a detailed report and sends it to your primary healthcare provider.
Your doctor will then interpret these results in the context of your overall health and medical history. This helps determine whether you are at an elevated risk of stroke, if there is any narrowing (stenosis), or if your carotid arteries are functioning well and free of plaque buildup.
If the Carotid Ultrasound Shows Abnormal Results:
Your provider may diagnose significant arterial blockage that could limit blood flow to your brain.
Depending on the severity of the narrowing, a personalized treatment plan will be created. This may include:
Dietary improvements focusing on heart-healthy foods.
A regular physical activity regimen tailored to your fitness level.
Weight management strategies.
Smoking cessation support.
Blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose control.
In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend a surgical or interventional procedure, such as carotid endarterectomy or angioplasty with stenting, to restore proper blood flow.
If the Carotid Ultrasound Is for Follow-Up:
For patients who have previously undergone surgery or treatment for carotid artery disease, a Carotid Ultrasound acts as a crucial follow-up tool.
It allows your healthcare provider to evaluate the success of past interventions, monitor for new or recurring blockages, and determine if further procedures or medication adjustments are necessary.
In every case, Carotid Ultrasound plays a vital role in early detection, ongoing assessment, and prevention of serious conditions like strokes and transient ischemic attacks. It offers both peace of mind and a pathway to better vascular health.
Benefits of Carotid Ultrasound Screening
Noninvasive & Painless
Carotid Ultrasound uses sound waves—not needles or radiation—to check your carotid arteries. It’s a safe, gentle test with no recovery time needed.Fast & Convenient Results
Unlike MRIs or CT scans, Carotid Ultrasound offers immediate, real-time imaging of blood flow to the brain, helping doctors detect problems early.Radiation-Free Technology
This screening method avoids harmful radiation exposure, making it ideal for regular monitoring of your vascular health—especially for seniors and at-risk patients.Cost-Effective & Insurance-Friendly
Carotid Ultrasound is significantly less expensive than many other imaging tests, and most insurance plans cover it when prescribed for preventive care.Clear Imaging of Soft Tissues
It provides high-resolution visuals of your carotid arteries and soft tissues, helping doctors see even minor narrowing or early signs of plaque buildup.Helps Prevent Stroke
One of the biggest advantages of Carotid Ultrasound is its ability to detect arterial narrowing before symptoms appear, helping to prevent strokes and other serious cardiovascular events.Ideal for At-Risk Individuals
If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, a family history of stroke, or are over the age of 50, regular Carotid Ultrasound screenings can be lifesaving.Part of a Strong Preventive Care Plan
When performed routinely, Carotid Ultrasound supports proactive care, allowing early treatment options before a condition becomes dangerous.
If you have any vascular problems, please visit our cardiology clinic in Brooklyn for professional help. Call us on +1(347) 384-5690. The Cardiologists at Doral Health & Wellness consistently have outstanding patient satisfaction ratings. The professionals at Heart Specialist Brooklyn are able to greatly improve their patient’s health and quality of life because of their vast training and experience. New Yorkers can get the greatest medical, surgical, and cardiovascular care at Doral Health & Wellness Brooklyn. Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
