Investigation
Carotid Intima-media Thickness Measurement (CIMT)
Defining risk of heart disease with a simple rapid ultrasound examination.
Overview
Since the 1990′s, both small clinical and several larger scale pharmaceutical trials have used carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement for assessing regression and/or progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Many studies have documented the relation between the carotid intima-media thickness and the presence and severity of atherosclerosis. In 2003 the European Society of Hypertension-European Society of Cardiology recommended the use of IMT measurements in high-risk patients to help identify target organ damage not revealed by other exams such as the electrocardiogram. Bascially if there is thickening of the wall of the carotid artery this is likely to be a sign that all of the arteries of the body have atherosclerosis or “furring”.
Thickness of the wall suggests cardiovascular risk
What happens during CIMT scan
You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewellery, or other objects that may interfere and you will be given a gown to wear. Whilst led on a bed a clear gel will be placed on the skin at various locations on the carotid arteries. The probe will be pressed against the skin and moved around over the area of the artery being studied. Both sides of the neck will be examined and the test usually takes around 15 minutes.
What Happens after
After the examination you’re images will be analysed and a report will be produced. The results of this may add to the information that your cardiologist is able to obtain regarding your likely cardiovascular risk from taking your medical history and examining you.
How LCC Helps
We can arrange the scan for you, assess your overall risk and plan treatment if required. To find out more about carotid intima media scanning at LCC click below and fill in the form below to get a quick call back