CIMT & Carotid Duplex Ultrasound for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment | UKSONO Healthcare<\/title>\r\n<meta content=\"A detailed, evidence-based UKSONO guide to carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), carotid plaque, carotid duplex ultrasound and their role in cardiovascular risk assessment.\" name=\"description\"\/>\r\n<meta content=\"index,follow,max-image-preview:large,max-snippet:-1\" name=\"robots\"\/>\r\n<link href=\"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/cimt-carotid-duplex-cardiovascular-risk\/\" rel=\"canonical\"\/>\r\n<meta content=\"article\" property=\"og:type\"\/><meta content=\"CIMT & Carotid Duplex Ultrasound: Cardiovascular Risk Assessment\" property=\"og:title\"\/><meta content=\"Understand CIMT, carotid plaque, Doppler velocities, stenosis and how carotid ultrasound may contribute to cardiovascular risk assessment.\" property=\"og:description\"\/><meta content=\"UKSONO Healthcare\" property=\"og:site_name\"\/><meta 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available<\/div><\/div>\r\n<nav><a class=\"logo\" href=\"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/\">UKSONO <span>Healthcare<\/span><\/a><a class=\"cta\" href=\"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/vascular-scan\/carotid-doppler-scan-one\/\">Book Carotid Duplex<\/a><\/nav>\r\n<header class=\"hero\"><div class=\"heroCopy\"><span class=\"kicker\">Cardiovascular & vascular health<\/span><h1>CIMT & Carotid Duplex <em>Ultrasound<\/em><\/h1><p>A detailed guide to carotid intima-media thickness, carotid plaque, blood-flow assessment and how carotid ultrasound may contribute to a broader cardiovascular risk assessment.<\/p><div class=\"buttons\"><a class=\"btn btn1\" href=\"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/vascular-scan\/carotid-doppler-scan-one\/\">Book a Carotid Duplex Scan<\/a><a class=\"btn btn2\" href=\"#guide\">Explore the guide<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"heroVisual\"><div class=\"arteryCard\"><svg aria-label=\"Illustration showing normal carotid artery, increased intima-media thickness and carotid plaque\" role=\"img\" viewbox=\"0 0 560 390\"><defs><lineargradient id=\"artery\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"1\"><stop offset=\"0\" stop-color=\"#ee9f9f\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"1\" stop-color=\"#c55d67\"><\/stop><\/lineargradient><lineargradient id=\"plaque\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"1\"><stop offset=\"0\" stop-color=\"#f7dc7a\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"1\" stop-color=\"#d5b04f\"><\/stop><\/lineargradient><\/defs><text fill=\"#052d58\" font-size=\"18\" font-weight=\"700\" x=\"25\" y=\"35\">What carotid ultrasound can assess<\/text><g transform=\"translate(28,70)\"><text fill=\"#0c477e\" font-size=\"14\" font-weight=\"700\" x=\"0\" y=\"0\">1. Arterial wall<\/text><rect fill=\"url(#artery)\" height=\"75\" rx=\"34\" width=\"140\" x=\"0\" y=\"22\"><\/rect><rect fill=\"#fdfdfd\" height=\"49\" rx=\"24\" width=\"112\" x=\"14\" y=\"35\"><\/rect><line stroke=\"#6aa0d6\" stroke-width=\"4\" x1=\"14\" x2=\"126\" y1=\"35\" y2=\"35\"><\/line><line stroke=\"#6aa0d6\" stroke-width=\"4\" x1=\"14\" x2=\"126\" y1=\"84\" y2=\"84\"><\/line><text fill=\"#5d7082\" font-size=\"12\" x=\"0\" y=\"120\">CIMT is measured in a<\/text><text fill=\"#5d7082\" font-size=\"12\" x=\"0\" y=\"138\">standardised arterial segment.<\/text><\/g><g transform=\"translate(205,70)\"><text fill=\"#0c477e\" font-size=\"14\" font-weight=\"700\" x=\"0\" y=\"0\">2. Carotid plaque<\/text><rect fill=\"url(#artery)\" height=\"75\" rx=\"34\" width=\"140\" x=\"0\" y=\"22\"><\/rect><rect fill=\"#fdfdfd\" height=\"49\" rx=\"24\" width=\"112\" x=\"14\" y=\"35\"><\/rect><path d=\"M55,35 C70,48 75,56 76,72 C58,69 46,61 40,49 Z\" fill=\"url(#plaque)\"><\/path><text fill=\"#5d7082\" font-size=\"12\" x=\"0\" y=\"120\">Plaque is a focal structural<\/text><text fill=\"#5d7082\" font-size=\"12\" x=\"0\" y=\"138\">abnormality \u2014 not simply CIMT.<\/text><\/g><g transform=\"translate(382,70)\"><text fill=\"#0c477e\" font-size=\"14\" font-weight=\"700\" x=\"0\" y=\"0\">3. Blood flow<\/text><rect fill=\"url(#artery)\" height=\"75\" rx=\"34\" width=\"140\" x=\"0\" y=\"22\"><\/rect><rect fill=\"#fdfdfd\" height=\"49\" rx=\"24\" width=\"112\" x=\"14\" y=\"35\"><\/rect><path d=\"M45,35 C73,46 85,52 91,76 C66,76 49,67 35,49 Z\" fill=\"url(#plaque)\"><\/path><path d=\"M65,48 L119,48\" stroke=\"#2a69ad\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"5\"><\/path><polygon fill=\"#2a69ad\" points=\"119,48 108,42 108,54\"><\/polygon><text fill=\"#5d7082\" font-size=\"12\" x=\"0\" y=\"120\">Doppler measures velocity and<\/text><text fill=\"#5d7082\" font-size=\"12\" x=\"0\" y=\"138\">assesses haemodynamic effect.<\/text><\/g><rect fill=\"#eef5fb\" height=\"105\" rx=\"18\" stroke=\"#c9dce9\" width=\"494\" x=\"28\" y=\"250\"><\/rect><text fill=\"#052d58\" font-size=\"14\" font-weight=\"700\" x=\"48\" y=\"280\">A complete carotid assessment asks different questions:<\/text><text fill=\"#476276\" font-size=\"13\" x=\"48\" y=\"310\">How thick is the arterial wall?<\/text><text fill=\"#476276\" font-size=\"13\" x=\"235\" y=\"310\">Is plaque present?<\/text><text fill=\"#476276\" font-size=\"13\" x=\"365\" y=\"310\">Is flow significantly narrowed?<\/text><\/svg><div class=\"arteryLegend\"><div><b>CIMT<\/b>Arterial wall measurement<\/div><div><b>Plaque<\/b>Focal atherosclerotic change<\/div><div><b>Duplex<\/b>Structure + Doppler flow<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/header>\r\n<main id=\"guide\">\r\n<section class=\"toc\"><div><span class=\"kicker\">In this guide<\/span><h2>Contents<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"toclinks\"><a href=\"#overview\">Overview<\/a><a href=\"#anatomy\">Carotid artery anatomy<\/a><a href=\"#cimt\">What is CIMT?<\/a><a href=\"#plaque\">CIMT vs plaque<\/a><a href=\"#duplex\">What carotid duplex assesses<\/a><a href=\"#risk\">Cardiovascular risk<\/a><a href=\"#who\">Who may consider assessment?<\/a><a href=\"#results\">Understanding results<\/a><a href=\"#stenosis\">Carotid stenosis<\/a><a href=\"#scan\">What happens during the scan?<\/a><a href=\"#limitations\">Limitations<\/a><a href=\"#urgent\">Urgent symptoms<\/a><a href=\"#faq\">FAQs<\/a><a href=\"#references\">References<\/a><\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"overview\"><span class=\"kicker\">Overview<\/span><h2>What is a CIMT and carotid duplex ultrasound?<\/h2><p class=\"lead\">A carotid ultrasound is a non-invasive examination of the arteries on either side of the neck. It can assess arterial wall structure, detect atherosclerotic plaque and evaluate blood flow through the carotid arteries using Doppler ultrasound.<\/p><div class=\"grid3\"><div class=\"card\"><div class=\"icon\">1<\/div><h3>CIMT<\/h3><p>Carotid intima-media thickness measures the combined thickness of the inner arterial wall layers, usually within a standardised segment of the common carotid artery.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"card\"><div class=\"icon\">2<\/div><h3>Plaque assessment<\/h3><p>Ultrasound can identify focal atherosclerotic plaque, describe its location and morphology and assess whether plaque narrows the arterial lumen.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"card\"><div class=\"icon\">3<\/div><h3>Duplex Doppler<\/h3><p>Doppler measures blood-flow velocities and waveform characteristics to determine whether narrowing has a significant effect on flow.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"note\"><strong>Important:<\/strong> CIMT, carotid plaque and carotid stenosis are related but distinct findings. They should not be treated as interchangeable measurements.<\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"anatomy\"><span class=\"kicker\">Anatomy<\/span><h2>Why the carotid arteries matter<\/h2><div class=\"photoBand\"><div class=\"diagramPanel\"><svg aria-label=\"Simplified carotid artery anatomy\" role=\"img\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\"><circle cx=\"250\" cy=\"250\" fill=\"#f7fbff\" r=\"210\" stroke=\"#c9dcea\" stroke-width=\"3\"><\/circle><path d=\"M190 430 C190 335 200 250 205 170\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#be5962\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"26\"><\/path><path d=\"M310 430 C310 335 300 250 295 170\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#be5962\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"26\"><\/path><path d=\"M205 172 C195 125 165 95 145 68\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#be5962\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"20\"><\/path><path d=\"M205 172 C235 130 245 95 248 62\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#be5962\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"20\"><\/path><path d=\"M295 172 C305 125 335 95 355 68\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#be5962\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"20\"><\/path><path d=\"M295 172 C265 130 255 95 252 62\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#be5962\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"20\"><\/path><circle cx=\"205\" cy=\"172\" fill=\"#d5b04f\" opacity=\".85\" r=\"23\"><\/circle><circle cx=\"295\" cy=\"172\" fill=\"#d5b04f\" opacity=\".85\" r=\"23\"><\/circle><text fill=\"#052d58\" font-size=\"15\" font-weight=\"700\" text-anchor=\"middle\" x=\"250\" y=\"470\">Common carotid arteries<\/text><text fill=\"#052d58\" font-size=\"15\" font-weight=\"700\" text-anchor=\"middle\" x=\"250\" y=\"38\">Internal & external carotid branches<\/text><text fill=\"#6b5b32\" font-size=\"14\" text-anchor=\"middle\" x=\"250\" y=\"225\">Carotid bulbs<\/text><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"photoText\"><h3>The carotid circulation<\/h3><p>There is a common carotid artery on each side of the neck. Each usually divides at the carotid bifurcation into the internal carotid artery, which supplies the brain and eyes, and the external carotid artery, which supplies structures of the face and neck.<\/p><p>The carotid bulb and proximal internal carotid artery are common sites for atherosclerotic plaque. These locations are accessible to high-resolution B-mode and Doppler ultrasound.<\/p><p>Because atherosclerosis is a systemic process, visible carotid plaque may provide information about the presence of atherosclerotic disease beyond the neck. However, carotid ultrasound does not directly image the coronary arteries.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"cimt\"><span class=\"kicker\">Carotid intima-media thickness<\/span><h2>What is CIMT?<\/h2><p class=\"lead\">CIMT is the combined thickness of the intima and media \u2014 two layers of the arterial wall that can be visualised as parallel interfaces on high-resolution B-mode ultrasound.<\/p><div class=\"grid2\"><div class=\"card\"><h3>How CIMT is measured<\/h3><p>CIMT is generally measured in a standardised plaque-free segment of the common carotid artery, commonly using the far wall where the lumen-intima and media-adventitia interfaces can be visualised.<\/p><p>Standardisation matters. The measured value can be affected by the precise segment chosen, image quality, equipment, measurement technique and whether focal plaque has been inadvertently included.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>What influences CIMT?<\/h3><ul><li>Age and vascular ageing<\/li><li>Blood pressure<\/li><li>Smoking exposure<\/li><li>Cholesterol and other metabolic risk factors<\/li><li>Diabetes and insulin resistance<\/li><li>Measurement methodology<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"info\"><strong>CIMT is not a universal \u201cvascular age score\u201d.<\/strong> A single measurement should not be interpreted without age, risk factors, plaque assessment and the technical method used to obtain the measurement.<\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"plaque\"><span class=\"kicker\">A key distinction<\/span><h2>CIMT is not the same as carotid plaque<\/h2><p>This is one of the most important concepts in carotid cardiovascular assessment. Increased CIMT is a diffuse arterial-wall measurement. Carotid plaque is a focal structural lesion.<\/p><div class=\"compare\"><div class=\"box\"><b>CIMT<\/b><p>Measures the intima-media complex in a defined arterial segment.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"box\"><b>Carotid plaque<\/b><p>Represents a focal structural abnormality consistent with atherosclerotic change.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"box\"><b>Carotid stenosis<\/b><p>Describes narrowing of the arterial lumen and is graded using structural and Doppler information.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"quote\"><h3>How is plaque defined?<\/h3><p>The Mannheim consensus describes plaque as a focal structure that encroaches into the arterial lumen by at least 0.5 mm, or by at least 50% compared with the surrounding intima-media thickness, or has a thickness greater than 1.5 mm measured from the media-adventitia interface to the intima-lumen interface.<\/p><\/div><p>A person may therefore have a relatively modest CIMT measurement but still have focal plaque at the carotid bulb or proximal internal carotid artery. Conversely, a thicker arterial wall does not automatically mean that a focal plaque is present.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"duplex\"><span class=\"kicker\">Duplex ultrasound<\/span><h2>What does a carotid duplex scan assess?<\/h2><div class=\"vesselFlow\"><div class=\"step\"><b>B-mode imaging<\/b>Arterial wall, lumen, plaque and calcification.<\/div><div class=\"step\"><b>Colour Doppler<\/b>Direction and distribution of blood flow.<\/div><div class=\"step\"><b>Spectral Doppler<\/b>Peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities.<\/div><div class=\"step\"><b>Interpretation<\/b>Plaque burden and haemodynamic significance of stenosis.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"grid2\" style=\"margin-top:28px\"><div class=\"card\"><h3>Structural assessment<\/h3><ul><li>Common carotid artery<\/li><li>Carotid bulb and bifurcation<\/li><li>Internal carotid artery<\/li><li>External carotid artery where appropriate<\/li><li>Vertebral arteries where included in the protocol<\/li><li>Plaque location, size and morphology<\/li><li>Calcification and acoustic shadowing<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>Haemodynamic assessment<\/h3><ul><li>Peak systolic velocity (PSV)<\/li><li>End-diastolic velocity (EDV)<\/li><li>ICA\/CCA velocity ratio where appropriate<\/li><li>Doppler waveform characteristics<\/li><li>Flow direction<\/li><li>Velocity acceleration through stenosis<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"risk\"><span class=\"kicker\">Cardiovascular risk<\/span><h2>How does carotid ultrasound relate to cardiovascular risk assessment?<\/h2><p class=\"lead\">Cardiovascular risk assessment begins with established clinical risk factors and validated risk models. Carotid imaging may add anatomical information in selected patients, particularly by demonstrating the presence or absence of carotid plaque.<\/p><div class=\"grid2\"><div class=\"chart\"><div class=\"riskWheel\"><div class=\"riskWheelText\">Cardiovascular risk is multi-factorial<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"riskLegend\"><div><span class=\"swatch\" style=\"background:#2a69ad\"><\/span><div><b>Clinical risk factors<\/b><br\/>Age, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and other established factors.<\/div><\/div><div><span class=\"swatch\" style=\"background:#d5b04f\"><\/span><div><b>Validated risk estimation<\/b><br\/>In UK practice, cardiovascular risk assessment is commonly structured around NICE guidance and QRISK3 where appropriate.<\/div><\/div><div><span class=\"swatch\" style=\"background:#168d7c\"><\/span><div><b>Subclinical atherosclerosis<\/b><br\/>Carotid plaque or coronary artery calcium may add information in selected people when risk is uncertain.<\/div><\/div><div><span class=\"swatch\" style=\"background:#a7b6c4\"><\/span><div><b>Clinical interpretation<\/b><br\/>Results must be considered alongside history, symptoms, family history, blood tests and other investigations.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"warn\"><strong>Routine CIMT measurement alone is not recommended as a stand-alone cardiovascular risk test.<\/strong> European cardiovascular prevention guidance does not recommend routine CIMT for risk reclassification. Carotid plaque detection may have a role as an imaging risk modifier in selected patients, particularly when coronary artery calcium scoring is unavailable or not feasible.<\/div><p>The practical implication is that the strongest value of a carotid cardiovascular assessment is not simply \u201cWhat is my CIMT number?\u201d A more complete question is whether there is evidence of focal atherosclerotic plaque, how extensive it is, and whether there is any associated haemodynamically significant stenosis.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\"><span class=\"kicker\">Atherosclerosis<\/span><h2>What does carotid plaque mean?<\/h2><p>Carotid plaque is structural evidence of atherosclerotic disease within the carotid arterial system. It does not necessarily mean that a carotid artery is severely blocked, and it does not mean that a future heart attack or stroke is inevitable.<\/p><div class=\"stats\"><div class=\"stat\"><b>Plaque \u2260 severe stenosis<\/b><small>Non-stenotic plaque may be present with normal or near-normal Doppler velocities.<\/small><\/div><div class=\"stat\"><b>Plaque = atherosclerosis<\/b><small>Its presence provides direct imaging evidence of focal atherosclerotic change.<\/small><\/div><div class=\"stat\"><b>Risk is systemic<\/b><small>Carotid disease may coexist with atherosclerosis in other vascular territories, but ultrasound does not directly image the coronary arteries.<\/small><\/div><\/div><p>For cardiovascular prevention, this distinction matters. A report may legitimately describe \u201ccarotid atherosclerotic plaque with no haemodynamically significant stenosis\u201d. This indicates visible atherosclerotic disease without major flow-limiting narrowing.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"who\"><span class=\"kicker\">Who may consider assessment?<\/span><h2>When might carotid cardiovascular assessment be considered?<\/h2><div class=\"grid3\"><div class=\"card\"><h3>Established risk factors<\/h3><ul><li>Hypertension<\/li><li>Raised LDL cholesterol<\/li><li>Diabetes<\/li><li>Smoking history<\/li><li>Obesity or metabolic syndrome<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>Family or clinical context<\/h3><ul><li>Strong family history of premature cardiovascular disease<\/li><li>Known atherosclerosis in another vascular territory<\/li><li>Previous coronary artery disease<\/li><li>Peripheral arterial disease<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>Selected prevention questions<\/h3><ul><li>Uncertain overall cardiovascular risk<\/li><li>Risk discussion near a treatment threshold<\/li><li>Prior carotid plaque requiring follow-up for a defined clinical reason<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"note\">Imaging should not replace routine cardiovascular risk assessment. Blood pressure, lipid profile, diabetes status, smoking history, kidney health and validated clinical risk estimation remain fundamental.<\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"results\"><span class=\"kicker\">Understanding your report<\/span><h2>What might a carotid report include?<\/h2><table><thead><tr><th>Report component<\/th><th>What it describes<\/th><th>Why it matters<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>CIMT measurements<\/strong><\/td><td>Thickness of the intima-media complex in a defined carotid segment.<\/td><td>Provides information about arterial wall thickness but should not be interpreted as a stand-alone risk score.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Plaque presence<\/strong><\/td><td>Whether focal atherosclerotic plaque is visualised.<\/td><td>Demonstrates structural carotid atherosclerosis.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Plaque location<\/strong><\/td><td>For example, common carotid, bulb or proximal internal carotid artery.<\/td><td>Helps document distribution and plaque burden.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Plaque morphology<\/strong><\/td><td>Echogenicity, heterogeneity, surface appearance and calcification where assessable.<\/td><td>Describes structural features but does not independently predict an individual event.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Doppler velocities<\/strong><\/td><td>PSV, EDV and relevant velocity ratios.<\/td><td>Used with imaging findings to assess stenosis severity.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/td><td>Overall summary of plaque, stenosis and blood-flow findings.<\/td><td>Guides whether clinical follow-up or further vascular assessment may be appropriate.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"stenosis\"><span class=\"kicker\">Carotid stenosis<\/span><h2>What does \u201cno haemodynamically significant stenosis\u201d mean?<\/h2><p>Carotid stenosis describes narrowing of the artery. A carotid duplex scan assesses the appearance of the arterial lumen and plaque together with Doppler blood-flow velocities.<\/p><div class=\"grid2\"><div class=\"card\"><h3>Plaque without significant stenosis<\/h3><p>Plaque can be present while the artery remains widely patent and Doppler velocities remain within a non-stenotic range. This is common in early or non-obstructive carotid atherosclerosis.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>Flow-limiting stenosis<\/h3><p>More substantial narrowing may accelerate flow through the affected segment and alter Doppler velocity parameters. Duplex criteria are used alongside visible plaque and luminal narrowing to grade stenosis.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"info\">Interpretation should use a validated laboratory protocol. Contemporary vascular-laboratory guidance has refined duplex velocity criteria for grading internal carotid artery stenosis, and imaging findings should not be reduced to a single velocity value.<\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\"><span class=\"kicker\">CIMT, plaque and CAC<\/span><h2>How is carotid ultrasound different from a coronary calcium score?<\/h2><table><thead><tr><th>Test<\/th><th>Main information<\/th><th>Radiation?<\/th><th>Important limitation<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>CIMT<\/strong><\/td><td>Carotid arterial wall thickness<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Not recommended as a routine stand-alone risk-reclassification test<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Carotid plaque ultrasound<\/strong><\/td><td>Direct visualisation of focal carotid atherosclerosis<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Does not directly visualise the coronary arteries<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Carotid duplex<\/strong><\/td><td>Carotid structure plus blood-flow haemodynamics<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Primarily evaluates extracranial carotid circulation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Coronary artery calcium (CAC)<\/strong><\/td><td>CT-based quantification of calcified coronary atherosclerosis<\/td><td>Yes, low-dose CT<\/td><td>Detects calcified coronary plaque rather than all plaque types<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p class=\"small\">The most appropriate investigation depends on the clinical question, the individual's baseline risk and the information needed to guide management.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"scan\"><span class=\"kicker\">Your appointment<\/span><h2>What happens during a CIMT and carotid duplex scan?<\/h2><div class=\"vesselFlow\"><div class=\"step\"><b>1. Positioning<\/b>You lie on your back with the neck gently extended.<\/div><div class=\"step\"><b>2. B-mode imaging<\/b>High-resolution ultrasound assesses both carotid arteries.<\/div><div class=\"step\"><b>3. Doppler<\/b>Colour and spectral Doppler measurements are obtained.<\/div><div class=\"step\"><b>4. Report<\/b>Findings are summarised in a written diagnostic report.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"grid2\" style=\"margin-top:28px\"><div class=\"card\"><h3>Preparation<\/h3><p>No fasting is usually required. You can generally eat, drink and take usual medication normally. Clothing that allows easy access to the neck is helpful, and necklaces may need to be removed.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>Radiation and discomfort<\/h3><p>Carotid ultrasound uses sound waves and does not involve ionising radiation, injections or arterial catheters. The scan is usually painless, although gentle probe pressure is required.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"limitations\"><span class=\"kicker\">Limitations<\/span><h2>What carotid ultrasound cannot tell you<\/h2><div class=\"grid2\"><div class=\"card\"><h3>It cannot directly assess<\/h3><ul><li>Coronary artery narrowing<\/li><li>Heart muscle function<\/li><li>Cardiac rhythm disorders<\/li><li>All intracranial arteries<\/li><li>Every possible cause of stroke<\/li><li>Whether or when a heart attack will occur<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>A normal scan does not mean zero cardiovascular risk<\/h3><p>A person can have normal carotid findings and still have cardiovascular risk arising from coronary atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, arrhythmia or other conditions.<\/p><p>Conversely, finding carotid plaque does not mean that a stroke or heart attack is inevitable.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"warn\">CIMT should not be used to decide independently whether to start or stop statins, antihypertensive medication or antiplatelet therapy. Medication decisions require clinical review of the complete cardiovascular risk profile.<\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"urgent\"><span class=\"kicker\">Urgent symptoms<\/span><h2>When a routine carotid scan is not the right pathway<\/h2><div class=\"warn\"><strong>Suspected stroke or TIA requires urgent medical assessment.<\/strong> Sudden facial weakness, arm or leg weakness or numbness, speech difficulty, sudden visual loss or other acute neurological symptoms should not wait for a routine private screening appointment.<\/div><p>Similarly, new severe chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse or symptoms concerning for an acute cardiac event require urgent medical assessment rather than cardiovascular screening.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\"><span class=\"kicker\">After the scan<\/span><h2>What happens if plaque is found?<\/h2><p>Finding carotid plaque does not automatically mean that a procedure or surgery is required. Many people have non-stenotic plaque that is managed by reviewing and treating cardiovascular risk factors.<\/p><div class=\"grid3\"><div class=\"card\"><h3>Risk-factor review<\/h3><p>Blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes status, smoking, weight, kidney function and family history may need review.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>Clinical interpretation<\/h3><p>The result should be considered alongside QRISK3 or other clinically appropriate risk assessment rather than in isolation.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>Further assessment<\/h3><p>Depending on findings and overall risk, your clinician may consider additional cardiovascular or vascular investigation.<\/p><\/div><\/div><p>Treatment decisions \u2014 including lipid-lowering therapy, antihypertensive medication or antiplatelet treatment \u2014 should be made by an appropriately qualified prescribing clinician.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\"><span class=\"kicker\">Repeat imaging<\/span><h2>Should CIMT or carotid plaque be monitored every year?<\/h2><p>Routine annual CIMT measurement is not automatically necessary. Small differences between examinations can result from measurement technique, image quality or the exact arterial segment selected rather than true biological change.<\/p><p>Repeat carotid imaging should therefore have a defined clinical purpose \u2014 for example, follow-up of known carotid disease where recommended \u2014 rather than simply repeating a CIMT number at arbitrary intervals.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\"><span class=\"kicker\">UKSONO approach<\/span><h2>A broader carotid assessment \u2014 not just one CIMT number<\/h2><div class=\"quote\"><h3>At UKSONO Healthcare<\/h3><p>Where CIMT is included, it is interpreted as one component of a broader carotid assessment. A comprehensive carotid examination may consider arterial-wall thickness, focal plaque, plaque distribution, morphology, luminal narrowing and Doppler blood-flow findings.<\/p><p>The purpose is to provide clinically meaningful vascular information that can be interpreted alongside your wider cardiovascular risk profile.<\/p><\/div><\/section>\r\n<section aria-label=\"Clinical review\" class=\"sec reviewed\"><div class=\"reviewBadge\">CA<\/div><div><strong>Reviewed by Christopher U. Agu MSc, PGDip, BSc<\/strong><span>Clinical Lead \/ Consultant Sonographer \u00b7 UKSONO Healthcare<\/span><span>Clinical review: August 2026<\/span><\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec faq\" id=\"faq\"><span class=\"kicker\">Frequently asked questions<\/span><h2>CIMT & carotid duplex FAQs<\/h2><details><summary>Is CIMT the same as a carotid Doppler?<\/summary><p>No. CIMT specifically measures arterial-wall thickness. A carotid duplex examination assesses arterial structure, plaque, narrowing and Doppler blood flow.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Can I have normal CIMT but still have carotid plaque?<\/summary><p>Yes. CIMT and focal plaque are distinct findings. A plaque can occur at the carotid bulb or proximal internal carotid artery even when a separate common-carotid CIMT measurement is not markedly increased.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Can I have carotid plaque without significant narrowing?<\/summary><p>Yes. Non-stenotic plaque is common. The report may identify atherosclerotic plaque while stating that there is no haemodynamically significant stenosis.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Does carotid plaque mean I have coronary artery disease?<\/summary><p>Not necessarily. Carotid plaque is evidence of atherosclerosis in the carotid circulation and may indicate a higher likelihood of atherosclerosis elsewhere, but carotid ultrasound cannot directly diagnose coronary artery disease.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Can CIMT predict a heart attack?<\/summary><p>Not by itself. CIMT is associated with cardiovascular risk at a population level, but it cannot determine whether or when an individual will have a heart attack.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Can a carotid ultrasound predict stroke?<\/summary><p>It can identify carotid plaque and stenosis, which are relevant to stroke risk, but strokes have multiple causes. A normal carotid scan does not eliminate overall stroke risk.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Is CIMT routinely recommended for cardiovascular risk screening?<\/summary><p>No. Routine CIMT measurement alone is not universally recommended for cardiovascular-risk assessment. Established clinical risk assessment remains the starting point.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Does the scan use radiation?<\/summary><p>No. Ultrasound and Doppler use high-frequency sound waves and do not involve ionising radiation.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Do I need a GP referral?<\/summary><p>Many UKSONO ultrasound services accept self-referral. Urgent neurological or cardiac symptoms should follow the appropriate urgent NHS pathway rather than routine screening.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Will I receive a written report?<\/summary><p>Yes. A written diagnostic ultrasound report is provided according to the service pathway.<\/p><\/details><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"booking\"><div><span class=\"kicker\" style=\"background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.2);color:#f0dfaa\">UKSONO Healthcare<\/span><h2>Book a private carotid duplex ultrasound<\/h2><p>Assess carotid plaque, blood flow and carotid stenosis with a detailed bilateral carotid ultrasound. If CIMT assessment is required, confirm availability when booking.<\/p><\/div><div><a class=\"cta2\" href=\"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/vascular-scan\/carotid-doppler-scan-one\/\">View Carotid Duplex Scan<\/a><a class=\"cta3\" href=\"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/uksono-health-articles\/\">Explore UKSONO Health Articles<\/a><\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec refs\" id=\"references\"><h2>References & further reading<\/h2><ol><li>Touboul PJ, Hennerici MG, Meairs S, et al. Mannheim carotid intima-media thickness and plaque consensus (2004\u20132006\u20132011). <em>Cerebrovascular Diseases<\/em>. 2012;34:290\u2013296. PubMed: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23128470\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">23128470<\/a>.<\/li><li>Touboul PJ, Hennerici MG, Meairs S, et al. Mannheim intima-media thickness consensus. Plaque definition includes focal encroachment \u22650.5 mm, \u226550% of the surrounding IMT, or thickness >1.5 mm. PubMed: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17108679\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">17108679<\/a>.<\/li><li>European Society of Cardiology. Cardiovascular prevention guidance and risk-modifier discussion: CIMT measurement is not recommended for routine risk reclassification; carotid plaque detection may be considered when coronary artery calcium scoring is unavailable or not feasible. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escardio.org\/communities\/councils\/cardiology-practice\/scientific-documents-and-publications\/ejournal\/volume-22\/rapid-online-self-assessment-of-individual-risk-for-cardiovascular-events-in-a\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ESC Cardiovascular Practice<\/a>.<\/li><li>NICE. Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification. NICE guideline NG238. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nice.org.uk\/guidance\/ng238\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NICE NG238<\/a>.<\/li><li>Johri AM, Nambi V, Naqvi TZ, et al. Recommendations for the assessment of carotid arterial plaque by ultrasound for characterization of atherosclerosis and evaluation of cardiovascular risk. <em>Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography<\/em>. 2020. PubMed: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32600741\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">32600741<\/a>.<\/li><li>Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). Updated Recommendations for Carotid Stenosis Interpretation Criteria. 2023. <a href=\"https:\/\/intersocietal.org\/vascular-testing\/updated-recommendations-for-carotid-stenosis-interpretation-criteria-nov-2023\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IAC Vascular Testing<\/a>.<\/li><\/ol><p class=\"small\">This article is for education and does not replace personalised medical advice. Cardiovascular risk assessment, medication decisions and treatment should be made with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional using the complete clinical picture. Guidance may change over time.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<\/main>\r\n<footer><div><strong>UKSONO Healthcare<\/strong><br\/>Private diagnostic ultrasound & health checks<\/div><div>Health Library \u00b7 Clinically reviewed patient information<\/div><\/footer>\r\n<\/body><\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CIMT & Carotid Duplex Ultrasound for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment | UKSONO Healthcare UKSONO HEALTHCARECQC-regulated diagnostic and screening service \u00b7 Self-referral available UKSONO HealthcareBook Carotid Duplex Cardiovascular & vascular health CIMT & Carotid Duplex Ultrasound A detailed guide to carotid intima-media thickness, carotid plaque, blood-flow assessment and how carotid ultrasound may contribute to a broader cardiovascular […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6742","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6742","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6742"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6742\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6757,"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6742\/revisions\/6757"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6742"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

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available<\/div><\/div>\r\n<nav><a class=\"logo\" href=\"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/\">UKSONO <span>Healthcare<\/span><\/a><a class=\"cta\" href=\"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/vascular-scan\/carotid-doppler-scan-one\/\">Book Carotid Duplex<\/a><\/nav>\r\n<header class=\"hero\"><div class=\"heroCopy\"><span class=\"kicker\">Cardiovascular & vascular health<\/span><h1>CIMT & Carotid Duplex <em>Ultrasound<\/em><\/h1><p>A detailed guide to carotid intima-media thickness, carotid plaque, blood-flow assessment and how carotid ultrasound may contribute to a broader cardiovascular risk assessment.<\/p><div class=\"buttons\"><a class=\"btn btn1\" href=\"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/vascular-scan\/carotid-doppler-scan-one\/\">Book a Carotid Duplex Scan<\/a><a class=\"btn btn2\" href=\"#guide\">Explore the guide<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"heroVisual\"><div class=\"arteryCard\"><svg aria-label=\"Illustration showing normal carotid artery, increased intima-media thickness and carotid plaque\" role=\"img\" viewbox=\"0 0 560 390\"><defs><lineargradient id=\"artery\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"1\"><stop offset=\"0\" stop-color=\"#ee9f9f\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"1\" stop-color=\"#c55d67\"><\/stop><\/lineargradient><lineargradient id=\"plaque\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"1\"><stop offset=\"0\" stop-color=\"#f7dc7a\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"1\" stop-color=\"#d5b04f\"><\/stop><\/lineargradient><\/defs><text fill=\"#052d58\" font-size=\"18\" font-weight=\"700\" x=\"25\" y=\"35\">What carotid ultrasound can assess<\/text><g transform=\"translate(28,70)\"><text fill=\"#0c477e\" font-size=\"14\" font-weight=\"700\" x=\"0\" y=\"0\">1. Arterial wall<\/text><rect fill=\"url(#artery)\" height=\"75\" rx=\"34\" width=\"140\" x=\"0\" y=\"22\"><\/rect><rect fill=\"#fdfdfd\" height=\"49\" rx=\"24\" width=\"112\" x=\"14\" y=\"35\"><\/rect><line stroke=\"#6aa0d6\" stroke-width=\"4\" x1=\"14\" x2=\"126\" y1=\"35\" y2=\"35\"><\/line><line stroke=\"#6aa0d6\" stroke-width=\"4\" x1=\"14\" x2=\"126\" y1=\"84\" y2=\"84\"><\/line><text fill=\"#5d7082\" font-size=\"12\" x=\"0\" y=\"120\">CIMT is measured in a<\/text><text fill=\"#5d7082\" font-size=\"12\" x=\"0\" y=\"138\">standardised arterial segment.<\/text><\/g><g transform=\"translate(205,70)\"><text fill=\"#0c477e\" font-size=\"14\" font-weight=\"700\" x=\"0\" y=\"0\">2. Carotid plaque<\/text><rect fill=\"url(#artery)\" height=\"75\" rx=\"34\" width=\"140\" x=\"0\" y=\"22\"><\/rect><rect fill=\"#fdfdfd\" height=\"49\" rx=\"24\" width=\"112\" x=\"14\" y=\"35\"><\/rect><path d=\"M55,35 C70,48 75,56 76,72 C58,69 46,61 40,49 Z\" fill=\"url(#plaque)\"><\/path><text fill=\"#5d7082\" font-size=\"12\" x=\"0\" y=\"120\">Plaque is a focal structural<\/text><text fill=\"#5d7082\" font-size=\"12\" x=\"0\" y=\"138\">abnormality \u2014 not simply CIMT.<\/text><\/g><g transform=\"translate(382,70)\"><text fill=\"#0c477e\" font-size=\"14\" font-weight=\"700\" x=\"0\" y=\"0\">3. Blood flow<\/text><rect fill=\"url(#artery)\" height=\"75\" rx=\"34\" width=\"140\" x=\"0\" y=\"22\"><\/rect><rect fill=\"#fdfdfd\" height=\"49\" rx=\"24\" width=\"112\" x=\"14\" y=\"35\"><\/rect><path d=\"M45,35 C73,46 85,52 91,76 C66,76 49,67 35,49 Z\" fill=\"url(#plaque)\"><\/path><path d=\"M65,48 L119,48\" stroke=\"#2a69ad\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"5\"><\/path><polygon fill=\"#2a69ad\" points=\"119,48 108,42 108,54\"><\/polygon><text fill=\"#5d7082\" font-size=\"12\" x=\"0\" y=\"120\">Doppler measures velocity and<\/text><text fill=\"#5d7082\" font-size=\"12\" x=\"0\" y=\"138\">assesses haemodynamic effect.<\/text><\/g><rect fill=\"#eef5fb\" height=\"105\" rx=\"18\" stroke=\"#c9dce9\" width=\"494\" x=\"28\" y=\"250\"><\/rect><text fill=\"#052d58\" font-size=\"14\" font-weight=\"700\" x=\"48\" y=\"280\">A complete carotid assessment asks different questions:<\/text><text fill=\"#476276\" font-size=\"13\" x=\"48\" y=\"310\">How thick is the arterial wall?<\/text><text fill=\"#476276\" font-size=\"13\" x=\"235\" y=\"310\">Is plaque present?<\/text><text fill=\"#476276\" font-size=\"13\" x=\"365\" y=\"310\">Is flow significantly narrowed?<\/text><\/svg><div class=\"arteryLegend\"><div><b>CIMT<\/b>Arterial wall measurement<\/div><div><b>Plaque<\/b>Focal atherosclerotic change<\/div><div><b>Duplex<\/b>Structure + Doppler flow<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/header>\r\n<main id=\"guide\">\r\n<section class=\"toc\"><div><span class=\"kicker\">In this guide<\/span><h2>Contents<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"toclinks\"><a href=\"#overview\">Overview<\/a><a href=\"#anatomy\">Carotid artery anatomy<\/a><a href=\"#cimt\">What is CIMT?<\/a><a href=\"#plaque\">CIMT vs plaque<\/a><a href=\"#duplex\">What carotid duplex assesses<\/a><a href=\"#risk\">Cardiovascular risk<\/a><a href=\"#who\">Who may consider assessment?<\/a><a href=\"#results\">Understanding results<\/a><a href=\"#stenosis\">Carotid stenosis<\/a><a href=\"#scan\">What happens during the scan?<\/a><a href=\"#limitations\">Limitations<\/a><a href=\"#urgent\">Urgent symptoms<\/a><a href=\"#faq\">FAQs<\/a><a href=\"#references\">References<\/a><\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"overview\"><span class=\"kicker\">Overview<\/span><h2>What is a CIMT and carotid duplex ultrasound?<\/h2><p class=\"lead\">A carotid ultrasound is a non-invasive examination of the arteries on either side of the neck. It can assess arterial wall structure, detect atherosclerotic plaque and evaluate blood flow through the carotid arteries using Doppler ultrasound.<\/p><div class=\"grid3\"><div class=\"card\"><div class=\"icon\">1<\/div><h3>CIMT<\/h3><p>Carotid intima-media thickness measures the combined thickness of the inner arterial wall layers, usually within a standardised segment of the common carotid artery.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"card\"><div class=\"icon\">2<\/div><h3>Plaque assessment<\/h3><p>Ultrasound can identify focal atherosclerotic plaque, describe its location and morphology and assess whether plaque narrows the arterial lumen.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"card\"><div class=\"icon\">3<\/div><h3>Duplex Doppler<\/h3><p>Doppler measures blood-flow velocities and waveform characteristics to determine whether narrowing has a significant effect on flow.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"note\"><strong>Important:<\/strong> CIMT, carotid plaque and carotid stenosis are related but distinct findings. They should not be treated as interchangeable measurements.<\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"anatomy\"><span class=\"kicker\">Anatomy<\/span><h2>Why the carotid arteries matter<\/h2><div class=\"photoBand\"><div class=\"diagramPanel\"><svg aria-label=\"Simplified carotid artery anatomy\" role=\"img\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\"><circle cx=\"250\" cy=\"250\" fill=\"#f7fbff\" r=\"210\" stroke=\"#c9dcea\" stroke-width=\"3\"><\/circle><path d=\"M190 430 C190 335 200 250 205 170\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#be5962\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"26\"><\/path><path d=\"M310 430 C310 335 300 250 295 170\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#be5962\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"26\"><\/path><path d=\"M205 172 C195 125 165 95 145 68\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#be5962\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"20\"><\/path><path d=\"M205 172 C235 130 245 95 248 62\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#be5962\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"20\"><\/path><path d=\"M295 172 C305 125 335 95 355 68\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#be5962\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"20\"><\/path><path d=\"M295 172 C265 130 255 95 252 62\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#be5962\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-width=\"20\"><\/path><circle cx=\"205\" cy=\"172\" fill=\"#d5b04f\" opacity=\".85\" r=\"23\"><\/circle><circle cx=\"295\" cy=\"172\" fill=\"#d5b04f\" opacity=\".85\" r=\"23\"><\/circle><text fill=\"#052d58\" font-size=\"15\" font-weight=\"700\" text-anchor=\"middle\" x=\"250\" y=\"470\">Common carotid arteries<\/text><text fill=\"#052d58\" font-size=\"15\" font-weight=\"700\" text-anchor=\"middle\" x=\"250\" y=\"38\">Internal & external carotid branches<\/text><text fill=\"#6b5b32\" font-size=\"14\" text-anchor=\"middle\" x=\"250\" y=\"225\">Carotid bulbs<\/text><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"photoText\"><h3>The carotid circulation<\/h3><p>There is a common carotid artery on each side of the neck. Each usually divides at the carotid bifurcation into the internal carotid artery, which supplies the brain and eyes, and the external carotid artery, which supplies structures of the face and neck.<\/p><p>The carotid bulb and proximal internal carotid artery are common sites for atherosclerotic plaque. These locations are accessible to high-resolution B-mode and Doppler ultrasound.<\/p><p>Because atherosclerosis is a systemic process, visible carotid plaque may provide information about the presence of atherosclerotic disease beyond the neck. However, carotid ultrasound does not directly image the coronary arteries.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"cimt\"><span class=\"kicker\">Carotid intima-media thickness<\/span><h2>What is CIMT?<\/h2><p class=\"lead\">CIMT is the combined thickness of the intima and media \u2014 two layers of the arterial wall that can be visualised as parallel interfaces on high-resolution B-mode ultrasound.<\/p><div class=\"grid2\"><div class=\"card\"><h3>How CIMT is measured<\/h3><p>CIMT is generally measured in a standardised plaque-free segment of the common carotid artery, commonly using the far wall where the lumen-intima and media-adventitia interfaces can be visualised.<\/p><p>Standardisation matters. The measured value can be affected by the precise segment chosen, image quality, equipment, measurement technique and whether focal plaque has been inadvertently included.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>What influences CIMT?<\/h3><ul><li>Age and vascular ageing<\/li><li>Blood pressure<\/li><li>Smoking exposure<\/li><li>Cholesterol and other metabolic risk factors<\/li><li>Diabetes and insulin resistance<\/li><li>Measurement methodology<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"info\"><strong>CIMT is not a universal \u201cvascular age score\u201d.<\/strong> A single measurement should not be interpreted without age, risk factors, plaque assessment and the technical method used to obtain the measurement.<\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"plaque\"><span class=\"kicker\">A key distinction<\/span><h2>CIMT is not the same as carotid plaque<\/h2><p>This is one of the most important concepts in carotid cardiovascular assessment. Increased CIMT is a diffuse arterial-wall measurement. Carotid plaque is a focal structural lesion.<\/p><div class=\"compare\"><div class=\"box\"><b>CIMT<\/b><p>Measures the intima-media complex in a defined arterial segment.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"box\"><b>Carotid plaque<\/b><p>Represents a focal structural abnormality consistent with atherosclerotic change.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"box\"><b>Carotid stenosis<\/b><p>Describes narrowing of the arterial lumen and is graded using structural and Doppler information.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"quote\"><h3>How is plaque defined?<\/h3><p>The Mannheim consensus describes plaque as a focal structure that encroaches into the arterial lumen by at least 0.5 mm, or by at least 50% compared with the surrounding intima-media thickness, or has a thickness greater than 1.5 mm measured from the media-adventitia interface to the intima-lumen interface.<\/p><\/div><p>A person may therefore have a relatively modest CIMT measurement but still have focal plaque at the carotid bulb or proximal internal carotid artery. Conversely, a thicker arterial wall does not automatically mean that a focal plaque is present.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"duplex\"><span class=\"kicker\">Duplex ultrasound<\/span><h2>What does a carotid duplex scan assess?<\/h2><div class=\"vesselFlow\"><div class=\"step\"><b>B-mode imaging<\/b>Arterial wall, lumen, plaque and calcification.<\/div><div class=\"step\"><b>Colour Doppler<\/b>Direction and distribution of blood flow.<\/div><div class=\"step\"><b>Spectral Doppler<\/b>Peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities.<\/div><div class=\"step\"><b>Interpretation<\/b>Plaque burden and haemodynamic significance of stenosis.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"grid2\" style=\"margin-top:28px\"><div class=\"card\"><h3>Structural assessment<\/h3><ul><li>Common carotid artery<\/li><li>Carotid bulb and bifurcation<\/li><li>Internal carotid artery<\/li><li>External carotid artery where appropriate<\/li><li>Vertebral arteries where included in the protocol<\/li><li>Plaque location, size and morphology<\/li><li>Calcification and acoustic shadowing<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>Haemodynamic assessment<\/h3><ul><li>Peak systolic velocity (PSV)<\/li><li>End-diastolic velocity (EDV)<\/li><li>ICA\/CCA velocity ratio where appropriate<\/li><li>Doppler waveform characteristics<\/li><li>Flow direction<\/li><li>Velocity acceleration through stenosis<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"risk\"><span class=\"kicker\">Cardiovascular risk<\/span><h2>How does carotid ultrasound relate to cardiovascular risk assessment?<\/h2><p class=\"lead\">Cardiovascular risk assessment begins with established clinical risk factors and validated risk models. Carotid imaging may add anatomical information in selected patients, particularly by demonstrating the presence or absence of carotid plaque.<\/p><div class=\"grid2\"><div class=\"chart\"><div class=\"riskWheel\"><div class=\"riskWheelText\">Cardiovascular risk is multi-factorial<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"riskLegend\"><div><span class=\"swatch\" style=\"background:#2a69ad\"><\/span><div><b>Clinical risk factors<\/b><br\/>Age, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and other established factors.<\/div><\/div><div><span class=\"swatch\" style=\"background:#d5b04f\"><\/span><div><b>Validated risk estimation<\/b><br\/>In UK practice, cardiovascular risk assessment is commonly structured around NICE guidance and QRISK3 where appropriate.<\/div><\/div><div><span class=\"swatch\" style=\"background:#168d7c\"><\/span><div><b>Subclinical atherosclerosis<\/b><br\/>Carotid plaque or coronary artery calcium may add information in selected people when risk is uncertain.<\/div><\/div><div><span class=\"swatch\" style=\"background:#a7b6c4\"><\/span><div><b>Clinical interpretation<\/b><br\/>Results must be considered alongside history, symptoms, family history, blood tests and other investigations.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"warn\"><strong>Routine CIMT measurement alone is not recommended as a stand-alone cardiovascular risk test.<\/strong> European cardiovascular prevention guidance does not recommend routine CIMT for risk reclassification. Carotid plaque detection may have a role as an imaging risk modifier in selected patients, particularly when coronary artery calcium scoring is unavailable or not feasible.<\/div><p>The practical implication is that the strongest value of a carotid cardiovascular assessment is not simply \u201cWhat is my CIMT number?\u201d A more complete question is whether there is evidence of focal atherosclerotic plaque, how extensive it is, and whether there is any associated haemodynamically significant stenosis.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\"><span class=\"kicker\">Atherosclerosis<\/span><h2>What does carotid plaque mean?<\/h2><p>Carotid plaque is structural evidence of atherosclerotic disease within the carotid arterial system. It does not necessarily mean that a carotid artery is severely blocked, and it does not mean that a future heart attack or stroke is inevitable.<\/p><div class=\"stats\"><div class=\"stat\"><b>Plaque \u2260 severe stenosis<\/b><small>Non-stenotic plaque may be present with normal or near-normal Doppler velocities.<\/small><\/div><div class=\"stat\"><b>Plaque = atherosclerosis<\/b><small>Its presence provides direct imaging evidence of focal atherosclerotic change.<\/small><\/div><div class=\"stat\"><b>Risk is systemic<\/b><small>Carotid disease may coexist with atherosclerosis in other vascular territories, but ultrasound does not directly image the coronary arteries.<\/small><\/div><\/div><p>For cardiovascular prevention, this distinction matters. A report may legitimately describe \u201ccarotid atherosclerotic plaque with no haemodynamically significant stenosis\u201d. This indicates visible atherosclerotic disease without major flow-limiting narrowing.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"who\"><span class=\"kicker\">Who may consider assessment?<\/span><h2>When might carotid cardiovascular assessment be considered?<\/h2><div class=\"grid3\"><div class=\"card\"><h3>Established risk factors<\/h3><ul><li>Hypertension<\/li><li>Raised LDL cholesterol<\/li><li>Diabetes<\/li><li>Smoking history<\/li><li>Obesity or metabolic syndrome<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>Family or clinical context<\/h3><ul><li>Strong family history of premature cardiovascular disease<\/li><li>Known atherosclerosis in another vascular territory<\/li><li>Previous coronary artery disease<\/li><li>Peripheral arterial disease<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>Selected prevention questions<\/h3><ul><li>Uncertain overall cardiovascular risk<\/li><li>Risk discussion near a treatment threshold<\/li><li>Prior carotid plaque requiring follow-up for a defined clinical reason<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"note\">Imaging should not replace routine cardiovascular risk assessment. Blood pressure, lipid profile, diabetes status, smoking history, kidney health and validated clinical risk estimation remain fundamental.<\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"results\"><span class=\"kicker\">Understanding your report<\/span><h2>What might a carotid report include?<\/h2><table><thead><tr><th>Report component<\/th><th>What it describes<\/th><th>Why it matters<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>CIMT measurements<\/strong><\/td><td>Thickness of the intima-media complex in a defined carotid segment.<\/td><td>Provides information about arterial wall thickness but should not be interpreted as a stand-alone risk score.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Plaque presence<\/strong><\/td><td>Whether focal atherosclerotic plaque is visualised.<\/td><td>Demonstrates structural carotid atherosclerosis.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Plaque location<\/strong><\/td><td>For example, common carotid, bulb or proximal internal carotid artery.<\/td><td>Helps document distribution and plaque burden.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Plaque morphology<\/strong><\/td><td>Echogenicity, heterogeneity, surface appearance and calcification where assessable.<\/td><td>Describes structural features but does not independently predict an individual event.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Doppler velocities<\/strong><\/td><td>PSV, EDV and relevant velocity ratios.<\/td><td>Used with imaging findings to assess stenosis severity.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/td><td>Overall summary of plaque, stenosis and blood-flow findings.<\/td><td>Guides whether clinical follow-up or further vascular assessment may be appropriate.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"stenosis\"><span class=\"kicker\">Carotid stenosis<\/span><h2>What does \u201cno haemodynamically significant stenosis\u201d mean?<\/h2><p>Carotid stenosis describes narrowing of the artery. A carotid duplex scan assesses the appearance of the arterial lumen and plaque together with Doppler blood-flow velocities.<\/p><div class=\"grid2\"><div class=\"card\"><h3>Plaque without significant stenosis<\/h3><p>Plaque can be present while the artery remains widely patent and Doppler velocities remain within a non-stenotic range. This is common in early or non-obstructive carotid atherosclerosis.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>Flow-limiting stenosis<\/h3><p>More substantial narrowing may accelerate flow through the affected segment and alter Doppler velocity parameters. Duplex criteria are used alongside visible plaque and luminal narrowing to grade stenosis.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"info\">Interpretation should use a validated laboratory protocol. Contemporary vascular-laboratory guidance has refined duplex velocity criteria for grading internal carotid artery stenosis, and imaging findings should not be reduced to a single velocity value.<\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\"><span class=\"kicker\">CIMT, plaque and CAC<\/span><h2>How is carotid ultrasound different from a coronary calcium score?<\/h2><table><thead><tr><th>Test<\/th><th>Main information<\/th><th>Radiation?<\/th><th>Important limitation<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>CIMT<\/strong><\/td><td>Carotid arterial wall thickness<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Not recommended as a routine stand-alone risk-reclassification test<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Carotid plaque ultrasound<\/strong><\/td><td>Direct visualisation of focal carotid atherosclerosis<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Does not directly visualise the coronary arteries<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Carotid duplex<\/strong><\/td><td>Carotid structure plus blood-flow haemodynamics<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Primarily evaluates extracranial carotid circulation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Coronary artery calcium (CAC)<\/strong><\/td><td>CT-based quantification of calcified coronary atherosclerosis<\/td><td>Yes, low-dose CT<\/td><td>Detects calcified coronary plaque rather than all plaque types<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p class=\"small\">The most appropriate investigation depends on the clinical question, the individual's baseline risk and the information needed to guide management.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"scan\"><span class=\"kicker\">Your appointment<\/span><h2>What happens during a CIMT and carotid duplex scan?<\/h2><div class=\"vesselFlow\"><div class=\"step\"><b>1. Positioning<\/b>You lie on your back with the neck gently extended.<\/div><div class=\"step\"><b>2. B-mode imaging<\/b>High-resolution ultrasound assesses both carotid arteries.<\/div><div class=\"step\"><b>3. Doppler<\/b>Colour and spectral Doppler measurements are obtained.<\/div><div class=\"step\"><b>4. Report<\/b>Findings are summarised in a written diagnostic report.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"grid2\" style=\"margin-top:28px\"><div class=\"card\"><h3>Preparation<\/h3><p>No fasting is usually required. You can generally eat, drink and take usual medication normally. Clothing that allows easy access to the neck is helpful, and necklaces may need to be removed.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>Radiation and discomfort<\/h3><p>Carotid ultrasound uses sound waves and does not involve ionising radiation, injections or arterial catheters. The scan is usually painless, although gentle probe pressure is required.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"limitations\"><span class=\"kicker\">Limitations<\/span><h2>What carotid ultrasound cannot tell you<\/h2><div class=\"grid2\"><div class=\"card\"><h3>It cannot directly assess<\/h3><ul><li>Coronary artery narrowing<\/li><li>Heart muscle function<\/li><li>Cardiac rhythm disorders<\/li><li>All intracranial arteries<\/li><li>Every possible cause of stroke<\/li><li>Whether or when a heart attack will occur<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>A normal scan does not mean zero cardiovascular risk<\/h3><p>A person can have normal carotid findings and still have cardiovascular risk arising from coronary atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, arrhythmia or other conditions.<\/p><p>Conversely, finding carotid plaque does not mean that a stroke or heart attack is inevitable.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"warn\">CIMT should not be used to decide independently whether to start or stop statins, antihypertensive medication or antiplatelet therapy. Medication decisions require clinical review of the complete cardiovascular risk profile.<\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"urgent\"><span class=\"kicker\">Urgent symptoms<\/span><h2>When a routine carotid scan is not the right pathway<\/h2><div class=\"warn\"><strong>Suspected stroke or TIA requires urgent medical assessment.<\/strong> Sudden facial weakness, arm or leg weakness or numbness, speech difficulty, sudden visual loss or other acute neurological symptoms should not wait for a routine private screening appointment.<\/div><p>Similarly, new severe chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse or symptoms concerning for an acute cardiac event require urgent medical assessment rather than cardiovascular screening.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\"><span class=\"kicker\">After the scan<\/span><h2>What happens if plaque is found?<\/h2><p>Finding carotid plaque does not automatically mean that a procedure or surgery is required. Many people have non-stenotic plaque that is managed by reviewing and treating cardiovascular risk factors.<\/p><div class=\"grid3\"><div class=\"card\"><h3>Risk-factor review<\/h3><p>Blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes status, smoking, weight, kidney function and family history may need review.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>Clinical interpretation<\/h3><p>The result should be considered alongside QRISK3 or other clinically appropriate risk assessment rather than in isolation.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"card\"><h3>Further assessment<\/h3><p>Depending on findings and overall risk, your clinician may consider additional cardiovascular or vascular investigation.<\/p><\/div><\/div><p>Treatment decisions \u2014 including lipid-lowering therapy, antihypertensive medication or antiplatelet treatment \u2014 should be made by an appropriately qualified prescribing clinician.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\"><span class=\"kicker\">Repeat imaging<\/span><h2>Should CIMT or carotid plaque be monitored every year?<\/h2><p>Routine annual CIMT measurement is not automatically necessary. Small differences between examinations can result from measurement technique, image quality or the exact arterial segment selected rather than true biological change.<\/p><p>Repeat carotid imaging should therefore have a defined clinical purpose \u2014 for example, follow-up of known carotid disease where recommended \u2014 rather than simply repeating a CIMT number at arbitrary intervals.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\"><span class=\"kicker\">UKSONO approach<\/span><h2>A broader carotid assessment \u2014 not just one CIMT number<\/h2><div class=\"quote\"><h3>At UKSONO Healthcare<\/h3><p>Where CIMT is included, it is interpreted as one component of a broader carotid assessment. A comprehensive carotid examination may consider arterial-wall thickness, focal plaque, plaque distribution, morphology, luminal narrowing and Doppler blood-flow findings.<\/p><p>The purpose is to provide clinically meaningful vascular information that can be interpreted alongside your wider cardiovascular risk profile.<\/p><\/div><\/section>\r\n<section aria-label=\"Clinical review\" class=\"sec reviewed\"><div class=\"reviewBadge\">CA<\/div><div><strong>Reviewed by Christopher U. Agu MSc, PGDip, BSc<\/strong><span>Clinical Lead \/ Consultant Sonographer \u00b7 UKSONO Healthcare<\/span><span>Clinical review: August 2026<\/span><\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec faq\" id=\"faq\"><span class=\"kicker\">Frequently asked questions<\/span><h2>CIMT & carotid duplex FAQs<\/h2><details><summary>Is CIMT the same as a carotid Doppler?<\/summary><p>No. CIMT specifically measures arterial-wall thickness. A carotid duplex examination assesses arterial structure, plaque, narrowing and Doppler blood flow.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Can I have normal CIMT but still have carotid plaque?<\/summary><p>Yes. CIMT and focal plaque are distinct findings. A plaque can occur at the carotid bulb or proximal internal carotid artery even when a separate common-carotid CIMT measurement is not markedly increased.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Can I have carotid plaque without significant narrowing?<\/summary><p>Yes. Non-stenotic plaque is common. The report may identify atherosclerotic plaque while stating that there is no haemodynamically significant stenosis.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Does carotid plaque mean I have coronary artery disease?<\/summary><p>Not necessarily. Carotid plaque is evidence of atherosclerosis in the carotid circulation and may indicate a higher likelihood of atherosclerosis elsewhere, but carotid ultrasound cannot directly diagnose coronary artery disease.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Can CIMT predict a heart attack?<\/summary><p>Not by itself. CIMT is associated with cardiovascular risk at a population level, but it cannot determine whether or when an individual will have a heart attack.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Can a carotid ultrasound predict stroke?<\/summary><p>It can identify carotid plaque and stenosis, which are relevant to stroke risk, but strokes have multiple causes. A normal carotid scan does not eliminate overall stroke risk.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Is CIMT routinely recommended for cardiovascular risk screening?<\/summary><p>No. Routine CIMT measurement alone is not universally recommended for cardiovascular-risk assessment. Established clinical risk assessment remains the starting point.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Does the scan use radiation?<\/summary><p>No. Ultrasound and Doppler use high-frequency sound waves and do not involve ionising radiation.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Do I need a GP referral?<\/summary><p>Many UKSONO ultrasound services accept self-referral. Urgent neurological or cardiac symptoms should follow the appropriate urgent NHS pathway rather than routine screening.<\/p><\/details><details><summary>Will I receive a written report?<\/summary><p>Yes. A written diagnostic ultrasound report is provided according to the service pathway.<\/p><\/details><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"booking\"><div><span class=\"kicker\" style=\"background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.2);color:#f0dfaa\">UKSONO Healthcare<\/span><h2>Book a private carotid duplex ultrasound<\/h2><p>Assess carotid plaque, blood flow and carotid stenosis with a detailed bilateral carotid ultrasound. If CIMT assessment is required, confirm availability when booking.<\/p><\/div><div><a class=\"cta2\" href=\"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/vascular-scan\/carotid-doppler-scan-one\/\">View Carotid Duplex Scan<\/a><a class=\"cta3\" href=\"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/uksono-health-articles\/\">Explore UKSONO Health Articles<\/a><\/div><\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec refs\" id=\"references\"><h2>References & further reading<\/h2><ol><li>Touboul PJ, Hennerici MG, Meairs S, et al. Mannheim carotid intima-media thickness and plaque consensus (2004\u20132006\u20132011). <em>Cerebrovascular Diseases<\/em>. 2012;34:290\u2013296. PubMed: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23128470\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">23128470<\/a>.<\/li><li>Touboul PJ, Hennerici MG, Meairs S, et al. Mannheim intima-media thickness consensus. Plaque definition includes focal encroachment \u22650.5 mm, \u226550% of the surrounding IMT, or thickness >1.5 mm. PubMed: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17108679\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">17108679<\/a>.<\/li><li>European Society of Cardiology. Cardiovascular prevention guidance and risk-modifier discussion: CIMT measurement is not recommended for routine risk reclassification; carotid plaque detection may be considered when coronary artery calcium scoring is unavailable or not feasible. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escardio.org\/communities\/councils\/cardiology-practice\/scientific-documents-and-publications\/ejournal\/volume-22\/rapid-online-self-assessment-of-individual-risk-for-cardiovascular-events-in-a\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ESC Cardiovascular Practice<\/a>.<\/li><li>NICE. Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification. NICE guideline NG238. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nice.org.uk\/guidance\/ng238\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NICE NG238<\/a>.<\/li><li>Johri AM, Nambi V, Naqvi TZ, et al. Recommendations for the assessment of carotid arterial plaque by ultrasound for characterization of atherosclerosis and evaluation of cardiovascular risk. <em>Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography<\/em>. 2020. PubMed: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32600741\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">32600741<\/a>.<\/li><li>Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). Updated Recommendations for Carotid Stenosis Interpretation Criteria. 2023. <a href=\"https:\/\/intersocietal.org\/vascular-testing\/updated-recommendations-for-carotid-stenosis-interpretation-criteria-nov-2023\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IAC Vascular Testing<\/a>.<\/li><\/ol><p class=\"small\">This article is for education and does not replace personalised medical advice. Cardiovascular risk assessment, medication decisions and treatment should be made with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional using the complete clinical picture. Guidance may change over time.<\/p><\/section>\r\n<\/main>\r\n<footer><div><strong>UKSONO Healthcare<\/strong><br\/>Private diagnostic ultrasound & health checks<\/div><div>Health Library \u00b7 Clinically reviewed patient information<\/div><\/footer>\r\n<\/body><\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CIMT & Carotid Duplex Ultrasound for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment | UKSONO Healthcare UKSONO HEALTHCARECQC-regulated diagnostic and screening service \u00b7 Self-referral available UKSONO HealthcareBook Carotid Duplex Cardiovascular & vascular health CIMT & Carotid Duplex Ultrasound A detailed guide to carotid intima-media thickness, carotid plaque, blood-flow assessment and how carotid ultrasound may contribute to a broader cardiovascular […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6742","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6742","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6742"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6742\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6757,"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6742\/revisions\/6757"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/uksono.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6742"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}