![]() family history of stroke or heart disease.history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).These conditions include, but are not limited to: If you have one of these conditions, or if your doctor suspects that you do, then a carotid ultrasound may be in order. There are certain medical conditions that increase the risk of stroke. Medical Conditions That Can Increase Your Risk of Stroke Since the mere mention of the word stroke is unnerving, I think we all understand now why the health of our carotid arteries is an important topic that should never be ignored and along with blood tests can assess your risk of stroke and heart disease. When this happens, this flows through the blood stream and can become lodged in a small blood vessel. The clot can also create a blockage, and this, too, can lead to a stroke.Ī third scenario is that a piece of either the plaque build-up or the blood clot (thrombus) can break off. When plaque builds up in the arteries, several different scenarios present themselves.Ītherosclerotic disease can cause a significant reduction of blood flow to the brain or can create a blockage so that the body has to create a new pathway to provide the brain with oxygen.Ī second possibility is that plaque can rupture or ulcerate, which will cause a blood clot to form. Obviously, the most important of these arteries is the internal, since they supply the brain with the blood it needs to perform all functions.Īs you can imagine, a narrowing of the carotid arteries due to plaque build-up or blockages could lead to stroke, which is vastly dangerous and can lead to serious long-lasting effects on your health and mobility or in severe cases death. External: These arteries supply blood to the face, scalp, and neck.Internal: These arteries supply blood to the brain.We have two common carotid arteries that lie, one on the right and one on the left side of the neck and then branch into the internal and external carotid arteries. Common: These are the main avenues for blood supply to the head.They supply much needed blood to your head and neck – which is vital to the healthy functioning of your body. The carotid arteries are the major blood vessels in the neck. WHAT’s The Real Story With These Carotid Arteries? By determining early on if plaque build-up is present, your physician can determine a treatment plan that could help you avoid medical issues down the road. Plaque is a combination of fat, calcium, cholesterol, and other substances, and its build-up can eventually lead to blocked or significantly narrowed arteries. This type of ultrasound clearly shows a doctor whether or not plaque has built up in your arteries. ![]() WHY is a Carotid Doppler Ultrasound Necessary?Ī carotid doppler ultrasound is done to determine whether you have changes to the lining of your arteries that may be causing a narrowing of the carotid arteries or if you have any other type of atherosclerotic disease that would increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. Is performed by a consultant or vascular sonographer who uses an instrument called a transducer to assess both sides of the neck to view common, internal, external carotid and vertebral arteries.Is performed in a hospital or clinic that specializes in diagnostic medical ultrasound.Checks to see whether they have any atherosclerotic changes.Uses sound waves to create images of the carotid arteries.When you stop and think about all of the functions the body performs and the way that it regulates itself, it really is astonishing.Īlthough our bodies do a pretty great job at taking care of themselves, there are times when we need to make sure all systems are a go! Certain symptoms and risks should not be ignored, and there are times when your physician may recommend a test, such as an ultrasound, to help screen, diagnose and treat underlying medical conditions.Īn ultrasound of the carotid arteries is a safe, painless, and routine evaluation that provides valuable information about the state of your all-important carotid arteries. ![]()
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