Content
Carotid doppler, also known as carotid ultrasound, is an easy and painless test that helps assess the interior of the carotid arteries, which are the vessels that pass through the side of the neck and carry oxygen to the brain.
When there are health problems, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, there may be an accumulation of fat on the wall of this artery, which ultimately reduces blood flow to the brain. In addition, these small fatty plaques can also rupture, forming a clot that can be transported to the brain and cause a stroke.
Thus, this test is widely used to assess the risk of developing a stroke and, thus, it is possible to start the most appropriate treatment, if necessary, to improve blood flow.
When is indicated
Carotid doppler is usually indicated by the cardiologist when the person has a personal or family history of high cholesterol, has chronic diseases or lifestyle habits that could favor the accumulation of fat inside the carotid. Thus, this test is indicated to assess the risk of stroke in people with:
- Arterial hypertension;
- Diabetes;
- High cholesterol;
- Family history of stroke or heart disease;
- Coronary heart disease.
In addition to assessing the risk of stroke, carotid doppler is indicated to investigate atherosclerosis, aneurysms and arteritis, which corresponds to inflammation of the artery walls.
How the exam is done
The examination is quite simple, it is only necessary to lie on a stretcher while the doctor passes the ultrasound device on the sides of the neck. To improve the image of the device it may also be necessary to apply a little gel on the skin.
If it is not possible to obtain a clear image, the doctor may also ask you to lie on your side or change your body position, to improve blood flow, for example.
Thus, in addition to wearing comfortable clothing, it is not necessary to do any kind of preparation before the ultrasound.
Exam results
The test result must be evaluated by the doctor and, if it is considered that there is a risk of developing a stroke, some care or treatments may be recommended, such as:
- Make a healthy and balanced diet;
- Exercise at least 3 times a week;
- Do not smoke and avoid places with a lot of smoke;
- Take medicines to lower blood pressure, such as Captopril or Losartana;
- Use drugs to reduce cholesterol levels, such as simvastatin or atorvastatin;
- Take medication to prevent plaque formation, according to medical advice, such as Aspirin, for example.
In addition, when one of the arteries is very closed and, therefore, the risk of stroke is very high, the doctor may also recommend surgery to remove the fatty plaque from the artery wall or to place a small mesh inside the artery (stent), which prevents it from closing. After these surgeries, it may be necessary to repeat the carotid doppler again to ensure that the problem has already been solved correctly.