Heart Attack Risk

A new quick and painless test could save your life.

An ultrasound scan on the carotid arteries, the small blood vessels that run along either side of your neck can give insight into the health of your whole vascular system.

Ultrasound of the carotid arteries allows doctors to measure the thickness of those arteries and the thickness predicts how likely you are to have a stroke, heart attack or sudden death.
Carotid ultrasound is a test that shows how thick the carotid artery walls are as well as how much blood flows and how fast it travels through them.
Ultrasound waves - the same ones used in imaging the fetus in a pregnant woman - are used to make an image of the arteries. This image can be used to find out if there is an abnormality or blockage of the carotid arteries that could lead to stroke.

The test is simple and reliable and - when combined with a full assessment of other risk factors and preventitive factors - can predict your risk of heart attack or stroke. Treatment can be started at an early stage - early enough that it might well save your life.

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