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Upcoming DatesCarotid Artery/Stroke Screening
The carotid artery screening is a painless and harmless ultrasound test that uses high-frequency sound waves to assess the flow of blood through the arteries that supply blood from the heart to the brain. The main "pipeline" of oxygen-rich blood supply to the brain is via the carotid arteries.
There are four carotid arteries - the right and left internal carotid arteries and the right and left external carotid arteries. One pair (external and internal) is located on each side of the neck. The "internal" carotid arteries supply blood to the brain whereas the "external" carotid arteries supply blood to the face and scalp.
The carotid ultrasound shows whether a substance called plaque has narrowed your carotid arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Plaque builds up on the insides of your arteries as you age. This condition is called carotid artery disease.
The carotid screening is a non-invasive procedure. You will lie on an examination table with your neck slightly extended. A small amount of gel is applied to the neck and a small transducer (similar to a microphone) is placed on the neck. The transducer will be pressed against the skin and moved around over the area of the artery being studied. 2D images will be taken as well as Doppler readings to assess the velocity and direction of blood flow through the vessel.