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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Carotid ultrasound is a safe, painless procedure that uses sound waves to examine the structure and function of the carotid arteries in the neck.
You have two carotid (kuh-ROT-id) arteries, one on each side of the neck, which deliver blood from the heart to the brain. Carotid ultrasound can reveal whether an artery has any blockage and how well blood flows through the artery.
Carotid ultrasound is usually used to screen for blockages that indicate an increased risk of stroke. Results from a carotid ultrasound can help your doctor determine what kind of treatment you may need to lower your risk.
- Carotid ultrasound. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cu/cu_whatis.html. Accessed April 21, 2010.
- Ultrasound imaging of the carotid artery. American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=us-carotid. Accessed April 21, 2010.
- Abdominal ultrasound. American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=abdominus. Accessed May 3, 2010.
- ABI. Vascular Disease Foundation. http://www.vdf.org/diseaseinfo/pad/anklebrachial.php. Accessed April 28, 2010.
- Carotid endarterectomy. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/carend/carend_what.html. Accessed April 21, 2010.
- Stents. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/stents/stents_whatis.html. Accessed April 21, 2010.
- Carotid artery disease. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/catd/catd_whatis.html. Access April 21, 2010.
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