Heart Health

CIMT Carotid Ultrasound

This screening will produce images of the carotid arteries in the neck. These arteries are crucial because they are responsible for carrying blood from the heart to

CIMT Carotid Ultrasound

This screening will produce images of the carotid arteries in the neck. These arteries are crucial because they are responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the brain. Blockages in these arteries can cause a stroke. When blockages are found, the problem can be fixed before severe and even life threatening problems occur. The test measures the thickness of the inner two layers of the carotid artery (the intima and media) and can detect any thickening before symptoms are present. This is a proactive test, especially for individuals with a family history of heart disease.

Who should receive a CIMT Carotid Ultrasound?

• Men and Women over 40 with a family history of heart attack or stroke
• Cigarette smoking – past or current
• Appropriate for all adults 55 and older

What can I expect during this exam?

This is a painless, non invasive exam that takes about 20 minutes to complete. The technologist will apply gel and will run the ultrasound probe probe along both sides of your neck.

What can I expect after this exam?

Images taken will be evaluated by a Board Certified Radiologist. The results will be sent to you and the physician listed in your paperwork. If there is a problem, your doctor will notify you.

Arterial Legs Ultrasound

This screening evaluates the blood flow to the arteries in your legs. It is used to identify narrowing of your vessels that may be causing leg pain when you are re

Arterial Legs Ultrasound

This screening evaluates the blood flow to the arteries in your legs. It is used to identify narrowing of your vessels that may be causing leg pain when you are resting or walking. The benefit of scanning the legs using an ultrasound machine is to help you and your doctor assess your arteries for vascular disease.

• Family history of vascular disease
• Cigarette smoker past or current
• High blood pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Diabetes

What can I expect during this exam?

This is a painless, non invasive ultrasound of your legs. You can expect a technologist to place a transducer over various locations on your legs. Blood pressure readings will be taken of your ankles. You will not feel any pain; however you will feel mild pressure from the blood-pressure cuff and the transducer.

What can I expect after this exam?

After the exam, the images will be read by a Board Certified Radiologist. The results will then be shared with you and the physician listed when you scheduled the exam.

Ultrasound AAA Screening

This screening is used to detect the existence of an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta. An enlargement of this blood vessel can be life threatening if it ruptures. A

Ultrasound AAA Screening

This screening is used to detect the existence of an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta. An enlargement of this blood vessel can be life threatening if it ruptures. About one person in every 1000 people ages 60-65 develop an AAA. This number increases with age. Screening studies show that AAA’s occur in 2-13% of males and 6% of females over the age of 65.

Who should receive this screening?

• Men and women aged 65-75 who are smokers or who have smoked.
• Men and women over 55 with a family history or abdominal aortic aneurysm.

If I have an AAA will I have symptoms?

In most cases, an AAA causes no noticeable symptoms and that is why we recommend screenings for those who are considered higher risk. If it becomes large, some people may develop a pain or pulsating feeling in the stomach area or persistent back pain.

What can I expect during this exam?

This is a painless, ultrasound exam. There is no radiation and no risk to the patient. You will be asked to fast for four hours before your scan and you can have a small amount of water if needed to take your medication.