Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
Carotid Doppler ultrasound is a test to assess the health of your carotid arteries and evaluate your risk of stroke. Our state-of-the-art facility and experienced healthcare professionals at HeartCare Texas ensure you receive accurate results in a comfortable environment.
What is a Carotid Doppler Ultrasound for?
A carotid Doppler ultrasound is performed to evaluate the blood flow through the carotid arteries in your neck. These arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your brain. This test is essential for identifying any blockages or narrowing that could increase the risk of stroke or other cardiovascular issues.
The test uses a handheld device called a transducer, which transmits sound waves through a water-soluble gel into your body. The transducer is used to create images that show how well blood is flowing through the carotid arteries.
Carotid Doppler ultrasound at HeartCare Texas
At HeartCare Texas, we use the latest ultrasound technology to provide detailed images of your carotid arteries.
How to prepare for the test
- Don’t smoke or drink coffee for at least two hours before the test to ensure accurate results.
- Opt for loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to allow easy access to the neck area.
- Remove any jewelry to prevent any interference with the ultrasound procedure.
How the procedure works
Typically, a carotid ultrasound takes about 30 minutes to complete. A sonographer performs the test using a small, handheld device called a transducer. This device emits sound waves and captures their echoes as they bounce off tissues, organs, and blood cells. Our technician will apply a warm gel to the skin above each carotid artery to help transmit the ultrasound waves effectively. The transducer is then gently pressed against the side of your neck.
A computer then converts the echoes into real-time images displayed on a monitor. For assessing blood flow, the technician may use a Doppler ultrasound, which translates the rate of blood flow into a visual graph.
The entire procedure is generally comfortable. But if you experience any discomfort, please inform the technician.
What are the risks involved?
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive test with minimal risks. You might feel slight discomfort from the pressure of the transducer, but this is generally mild. There’s no exposure to radiation, and the procedure doesn’t involve any injections or incisions, making it a highly safe and effective diagnostic tool.
Our dedicated team at HeartCare Texas ensures you receive top-notch care and precise diagnostics with our carotid Doppler ultrasound services. Schedule an appointment with us today!