Carotid IMT
Carotid IMT
A human body has two Carotid arteries inside the neck that delivers oxygen-rich blood cells to the brain and heart. Like other arteries, Carotid arteries are made up of the following layers:
- An external layer that is protected, known as Adventitia
- A muscular middle layer is known as media
- An inner layer that is smooth & is known as Intima
The CIMT test calibrates the thickness of Carotid arteries with inner and middle layers. This test helps doctors determine the extent of plaque built up in the Arteries and determine Carotid Artery symptoms well.
How Is CIMT Test Performed?
During the carotid intima-media thickness test, an ultrasound is performed that takes the images of the Carotid Artery. The health professional will take several measurements of your Carotid artery on every side of the neck.
There is no special thing that you need to do before the test. Try to remove all the jewelry or accessories. You can even wear an open-neck or button-up shirt during the procedure.
What Would Different Test Results Mean?
- Test results greater than 1.0mm mean that you have a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Results lower than the 25 percentile mean you have a lower risk of the disease.
- Results between the 25 & 75 percentile mean they are normal and don’t mean you have a greater or lesser cardiovascular disease.