Carotid Ultrasound Scan

The carotid arteries located in our neck carry blood from the aorta to the brain. Atherosclerosis (cholesterol deposits) in the carotid arteries can cause obstruction of blood to the brain and strokes. Small amounts of cholesterol plaque can be seen in the carotid arteries and are useful indicators of increased risk of disease in other arteries including in the heart.

There is no special preparation for carotid artery scanning. You will need to lie quite flat. A cool water-based gel will be applied to your neck and the sonographer will move an ultrasound transducer painlessly along the length of the arteries which run along both sides of the neck. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the study.

The study will be reported and forwarded to your Cardiologist who will forward the results to you and your doctor with management recommendations.

The cost of a carotid artery scan is covered by most insurance policies. Our secretaries will tell you if there is any charge to you at the time of booking.

Carotid ultrasound is available at our rooms at:

• The Heart Group; 1 Gilgit Rd, Epsom

For further information please phone The Heart Group 09 623 6377

Please allow plenty of time for parking.

We do our best to keep to scheduled appointment times. Please arrive on time for your appointment or your appointment may have to be rescheduled.