Carotid Doppler
Having a carotid doppler test can quickly and efficiently evaluate your carotid arteries to see if you have arterial narrowing, which could increase your risk of stroke. The leading physicians at CareFirst Wellness Associates, specialize in performing carotid doppler tests right in the office. Find out if a carotid doppler test is right for you by booking a consultation online or over the phone.
-
A carotid doppler test is one of the best ways to accurately determine your risk of stroke. Your physician may recommend having a carotid doppler if you have:
Diabetes
A family history of stroke
Carotid artery narrowing
Coronary artery disease
Abnormal sounds in your artery
Plaque buildup, clots, or other blockages
These are just some of the risk factors that dramatically increase your chances of suffering from a stroke, which may warrant routine carotid doppler testing.
-
The entire carotid doppler test is performed right in the office at CareFirst Wellness Associates, so you won’t have to go to another facility or wait an extended period of time for your doctor to get your results. During your carotid doppler test, your practitioner has you lie comfortably on your back and positions your head properly in an effort to help them reach the side of your neck.
They apply a gel to your neck directly above your carotid artery. The gel substance helps your technician glide the ultrasound transducer over your skin and aids in providing more clear pictures.
As the transducer sends sound waves through your soft tissues, the computer records all of the waves and the way they bounce off tissues. This effect gives your physician details about how well — or how poorly — blood is flowing through your arteries.
-
Your carotid doppler test lets your doctor know if you’re at risk of suffering from a stroke and how severe your risk may be. If your carotid doppler test shows that you may have blockages, clots, decreased arterial blood flow, or other factors that can increase your risk of stroke, your dedicated practitioner at CareFirst Wellness Associates designs a personalized preventive care plan that includes lifestyle changes, like improving your diet.
Your physician might repeat the carotid doppler test again after several months to determine if your treatment plan is working to decrease your risk of stroke. If your carotid doppler continues to show that you have a high risk of stroke, possibly due to plaque buildup, you might be a candidate for a surgical procedure to remove plaque or to open up your carotid arteries.
Book your carotid doppler evaluation at CareFirst Wellness Associates today. You can request an appointment online or over the phone with your nearest office.
