Question 1

what does intimal thickening of the carotid artery mean when thrre is no blockage?

Accepted Answer

Somewhat unclear: Blockages in the carotid artery of a certain severity may increase one's risk of stroke. For those carotid arteries without a blockage, some physicians measure the intima (the inner-most lining of the artery) and derive a value called the imt, or intimal-medial thickness. It's supposed to help us determine severity of atherosclerosis, but this is somewhat controversial.

Question 2

is a thickened carotid artery something to worry about?

Accepted Answer

No, not by itself: If that is the only finding, a thickened carotid artery is not something to worry about.  However, if it is associated with narrowing in the carotid, it should be investigated further by duplex scanning.

Question 3

are carotid duplexes dangerous?

Accepted Answer

No: The test is completely safe. It is the same type of test as is done to check the baby during pregnancy.

Question 4

what does carotid upstroke mean?

Accepted Answer

Carotid: The pulse wave in the carotid has an upstroke and a down stroke. The up is the stroke volume filling the arteries, the down is the relaxation phase.

Question 5

what does carotid hardening mean?

Accepted Answer

Atherosclerosis: When plaque forms in an artery, the ways may thicken and thus the term "hardening of the arteries". This is not the same as blockages but, should be evaluated by a vascular surgeon.

Question 6

what does carotid upstrokes 1+ mean?

Accepted Answer

It is a grading: system for recording the strength(amplitude) of the pulse, 0(absent) through +4(bounding).  +1 would imply a decreased or weakened pulse, for example due to shock.

Question 7

what does it mean if carotid flow voids are present?

Accepted Answer

Plaques: Ca plaques - obstructions, should know why %, anything &gt; 50% needs intervention and all need Plavix (clopidogrel)

Question 8

what does 80 cm/s velocity mean on right carotid ? 41 male?

Accepted Answer

: Your question does not have enough data for any conclusion. Please read the summary radiologist's report or comment or discuss the complete report with the ordered physician. Take care.

Question 9

test states my carotid upstroke  is 1+, what could this mean?

Accepted Answer

Delayed filling: The pulse wave in the carotid has an upstroke and a down stroke.
The up is the stroke volume filling the arteries, the down is the relaxation phase.
+1 refers to a decreased pulse
Therefore a carotid upstroke of +1 means, it is a delayed filling of the arteries

Question 10

should someone in his late 80s (with history of tias) have his carotids checked?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: Someone who is having tias should most definitely have their carotids checked since the carotid arteries are the number one source for embolic strokes. In "symptomatic" patients, such as someone who is having tias, a carotid blockage of 50% or more warrants intervention.

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Doctor answers about:

Carotid intimal thickening

A member asked:

What does intimal thickening of the carotid artery mean when thrre is no blockage?

A member asked:

Is a thickened carotid artery something to worry about?

A member asked:

Are carotid duplexes dangerous?

A member asked:

What does carotid upstroke mean?

A member asked:

What does carotid hardening mean?

A member asked:

What does carotid upstrokes 1+ mean?

A member asked:

What does it mean if carotid flow voids are present?

A member asked:

What does 80 cm/s velocity mean on right carotid ? 41 male?

A member asked:

Test states my carotid upstroke is 1+, what could this mean?

A member asked:

Should someone in his late 80s (with history of tias) have his carotids checked?

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