A stroke results from the disruption of adequate blood flow to the brain. The most common source of disruption is a significant narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries caused by excessive accumulation of fatty plaque buildup along the artery walls. The carotid arteries are the main blood supply to the brain, and plaque buildup in these arteries is the leading cause of stroke.
Life Line Screening uses painless and non-invasive Doppler colorflow ultrasound imaging to provide images of the carotid arteries on both sides of your neck and measure the velocity of the blood flow through these vessels.
The technologist applies an acoustic gel on your neck over your carotid arteries. A painless instrument, a transducer, is moved around your neck to visualize the inside of the carotid artery.
An ultrasound monitor visually depicts the inside of the carotid artery and the rate of blood flow.
Significant Carotid Artery Disease
 |
Carotid artery with large amount of plaque buildup.
Blood flow velocity intensifies as passageway is restricted. |
Moderate Carotid Artery Disease
 |
Ultrasound view of partially blocked artery.
Blood flow velocity moderately elevated. |
Within Normal Range
 |
This view of a clear carotid artery shows unrestricted blood flow with normal velocity through the vessel. |
