The Benefits of Carotid Ultrasound
What is it?
Ultrasound is a simple, quick and painless way to visualise what is happening inside your body. Unlike C.T. scanning, it involves no radiation, is safe, and utilises the same technique that is widely used to look at babies inside pregnant women.
Amazingly detailed images are produced that show the flow of blood to your brain from the two main Carotid arteries in your neck. It is also possible to see the build-up of fatty deposits known as “plaque” that can develop as you get older, restricting or even stopping the flow of blood to your brain. This could trigger a stroke, as could the breaking-off of pieces of plaque. Additionally the buld up may be a marker for the build up of these deposits elsehwhere in the body.
What happens if something is detected?
If plaque is detected, the course of action will depend on the extent to which you have been affected and other medical circumstances. There are a variety of other factors that can increase your risk of stroke, such as hypertension. Your Doctor will review all your risk factors when determining the best course of action. Surgery is frequently not the answer, as there are other simple ways to reduce your risks from stroke using medication and changes in lifestyle,especially if you have mild to moderate plaque build up.
Drugs known as “statins” have been shown to reduce risks of Stroke, and a leading piece of research by the Heart Protection Study, as published in The Lancet outlines the evidence and success in achieving this. There are other lifestyle actions that can be taken along with medication tailored to your particular needs that may be prescribed.
Your Life Line Screening package of scans looks at a wide range of risk factors for Stroke, including Peripheral Arterial Disease and Atrial Fibrillation, as well as the blood flow and plaque levels in your Carotid arteries. The results from all screenings, along with your medical history will determine your overall risks from cardiovascular disease and Stroke.
