Carotid ultrasound is a non-invasive test used to evaluate the arteries that supply blood from the heart through the neck to the brain. It's also called a carotid artery duplex test as it uses two modes of ultrasounds; B-mode and Doppler are utilized. B-mode acquires an image of the carotid artery being examined; Doppler evaluates the speed and direction of blood flow in the vessel.

Carotid Artery Ultrasound is a simple, easy method for surveying blood move through your carotid arteries. Atherosclerotic vascular ailment keeps on being of real concern to doctors in their treatment of aging patients. This is a dynamic illness brought on by a moderate develop of cholesterol stores inside of the veins. Low blood flow in the Carotid Arteries, there is a much higher risk of having heart stroke.

Carotid ultrasound test is protected and easy technique utilizes a transducer to send high frequency sound waves to the supply arteries in the neck. The sound waves are then meant a photo on a screen so the doctor can see the supply arteries and search for any blockage of the artery. A Doppler exam and Color Flow exam are also performed. This allows specialists to evaluate blood flow through the conduits to the brain.

A Sonographer will put some ultrasound gel on the imaging test (transducer) and after that place the test on your neck against your skin. The Sonographer will move the test forward and backward on your neck to take the images of your arteries from different views. During the test the machine will make a noise that similar to heartbeat. Both sides of the neck will be checked the same way. To perform the test it more often than not requires from 30 to an hour.

Narrowing of carotid arteries is usually caused by plaque, a buildup of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances that circulate in the blood stream. Early detection of narrowed carotid arteries enables doctor to begin treatments to improve blood flow to your brain and decrease your risk of stroke.

Our Houston cardiologist performing Carotid Ultrasound Test in Houston at high standards of patient's personal care to evaluate people who have had a stroke or who might be at high risk for one because of reduced blood flow in the carotid arteries.

It is recommended that everybody, 40 years and older should have this test. Heart attack or strokes are top two killers in the US.