Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
Non-invasive carotid artery ultrasound for stroke risk assessment — detecting plaque and narrowing in the neck arteries.
What is It?
A Carotid Doppler Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive test that uses sound waves to assess blood flow through the carotid arteries — the major blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain. It helps detect narrowing (stenosis) or plaque build-up that may significantly increase the risk of stroke.
At One Heart Centre, our cardiologists use carotid Doppler imaging as an essential part of comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. This test involves no radiation, needles or contrast dye.
Why is It Performed?
At One Heart Centre, our cardiologists may recommend a Carotid Doppler Ultrasound to:
- Assess your risk of stroke
- Investigate symptoms such as dizziness, transient vision changes or unexplained weakness
- Monitor known carotid artery disease over time
- Evaluate vascular health in patients with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking or high cholesterol
- Detect early plaque build-up before symptoms develop
Early identification of carotid artery disease allows timely treatment and effective stroke prevention strategies to be put in place.
What Does the Test Involve?
You will lie comfortably on an examination bed while a trained sonographer gently moves a small ultrasound probe over the skin on either side of your neck. A clear gel is applied to help transmit the sound waves and produce clear images.
The test is entirely painless and takes around 20–30 minutes. You may hear a soft “whooshing” sound during the scan — this represents blood flow through the arteries and is completely normal. You can return to your normal activities immediately after the test.
What are the Benefits?
- Accurate, real-time assessment of carotid blood flow and artery health
- Early detection of arterial narrowing and dangerous plaque
- No radiation, needles or injections
- Helps guide treatment decisions and stroke prevention strategies
- Simple, safe and comfortable procedure