What is a Carotid Screening and what do you look for with it?

Carotid Screening is an ultrasound test to look at the Carotid Arteries on both sides of your neck (see the example at left). A visual inspection is performed looking for any plaque formation in these blood vessels. In addition, the Intima-Medial Thickness (IMT) is measured at various locations in the Carotid Arteries. IMT measurements have been proven to be an early indicator for potential cardiovascular disease.

What is IMT?

Intima-Medial Thickness (IMT) is the thickness of two layers of the Carotid Artery wall. The IMT measurement is highly predictive of current and future risks including cardiac (heart) disease, stroke, and cardiac death. IMT measurement is a subclinical (early stages) indicator of cardiovascular disease.

What is ‘Vascular Age’?

Vascular Age is a number calculated during a Carotid Screening test. The multiple IMT measurements made during a Carotid Screening test are compared to similar measurements from over 15,000 individuals that are in a database that is organized based upon age and gender. We then see where you fall in relation to this group of people. Your Vascular Age is calculated from your findings compared to all others of your same age and gender. An example would be a 60 year old male with increased IMT measurements, having a Vascular Age of 75 years. The Vascular Age of such an individual helps you realize that although he is chronologically 60 years old, he has the blood vessel structure of a 75 year old man. This would put him at a much higher risk of cardiovascular disease. 

If I have an increased (thickened) IMT, is there anything I can do about it?

Yes. It has been routinely documented that by changing lifestyles (proper diet, stopping smoking, exercise, etc.) IMT measurements can be decreased. Many medical studies have also shown rapid decreases in IMT measurements with statin and lipid therapy (drugs your physician could chose to prescribe for cholesterol control).

What happens if I have abnormal findings on my Carotid Screening test?

The results of your test are reviewed by a local board certified physician. An abnormal finding only means a situation exists that you should discuss with your physician. Many abnormal findings can be managed by lifestyle changes and/or medications. You may be recommended to have further diagnostic testing performed and, if needed, your physician might refer you to a physician who specializes in vascular diseases. 

If I have had a Carotid Ultrasound test in the past year, will having a Carotid Screening test add any additional information?

Yes. We are currently the only Colorado Springs organization performing and reporting IMT measurements. This is additional information that you can share with your physician which is predictive of your risk of cardiovascular disease. IMT information is not part of a typical Carotid Ultrasound test you might have had performed previously.