A carotid ultrasound is an exam that combines two types of ultrasound to look for blockages in your carotid arteries. It is simple and painless. The carotid arteries are located along both sides of your neck. Blocked carotid arteries are a major risk factor of stroke.
Other names for a carotid ultrasound are:
carotid artery Doppler sonography
carotid artery duplex scan
carotid artery ultrasound
carotid duplex scan
Understanding carotid artery disease
As we age, our arteries tend to develop a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque buildup is related to:
smoking
not getting enough exercise
having high triglyceride (fat) or cholesterol levels in the blood
having overweight or obesity
having diabetes
having certain genetic factors, such as a family history of arterial disease
having high blood pressure
If plaque builds up in your carotid arteries, it’s called carotid artery disease.
