Diagnostic Medical Sonography News April 2019 | Page 5

Why is it Important to Perform
an Ultrasound on the Carotid
Arteries?
Having a diagnostic ultrasound on your carotid artery helps doctors
evaluate and treat carotid artery disease. A doctor may order a
carotid ultrasound to evaluate the health of your carotid arteries, to
locate a blockage of blood flow to the brain or to assist in surgery.
The carotid ultrasound procedure is noninvasive and painless. Sound
waves are used to evaluate the blood flow. The carotid arteries are
the arteries located on the sides of your neck that deliver blood
from your heart to your brain. Some of the most common symptoms
a patient may complain of if they have a blockage are fainting,
dizziness or numbness on one side of the face, neck or arms.
In some cases, doctors will order an ultrasound if a patient is at high
risk of stroke. Carotid arteries may narrow due to buildup of plaque.
Plaque is made up of fat deposits, cholesterol and calcium. Some
patients have other diseases or family history of heart disease. Early
diagnosis from ultrasound may prevent the patient from further
problems. Having a carotid artery ultrasound is very important; the
results help doctors put a treatment plan in place and lower the risk
of stroke.
Claire Dugan
Program Intern
Diagnostic
Medical
Sonography