Carotid Ultrasound in Bellingham WA

Carotid Ultrasound

Advanced Carotid Artery Screening in Bellingham, WA

At Peace Arch Cardiovascular, we offer carotid ultrasound imaging to evaluate the health of the carotid arteries in your neck. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your brain. When plaque builds up inside the carotid arteries, it can reduce blood flow and increase the risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

A carotid ultrasound is a safe, painless, and non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your carotid arteries. This diagnostic exam helps our cardiovascular specialists detect narrowing or blockages early so that appropriate treatment or preventive care can begin.

Our experienced team in Bellingham, WA provides accurate carotid imaging using advanced ultrasound technology in a comfortable clinical setting.

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What Is a Carotid Ultrasound?

A carotid ultrasound, also called a carotid artery duplex scan, uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the carotid arteries located on each side of your neck. The test evaluates:

Blood flow through the carotid arteries
Plaque buildup (atherosclerosis)
Narrowing of the arteries (carotid stenosis)
Blood clots or other abnormalities

Because it does not use radiation, carotid ultrasound is considered a safe and reliable diagnostic tool for identifying vascular conditions that may lead to stroke.

Why Your Doctor May Recommend a Carotid Ultrasound

Your provider may recommend this test if you have risk factors or symptoms related to vascular disease.

Common reasons for a carotid ultrasound include:

Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) symptoms
A carotid bruit detected during a physical exam
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Family history of cardiovascular disease
Smoking history
Follow-up monitoring after carotid artery treatment

Early detection of carotid artery disease can help reduce the risk of serious complications.

What to Expect During the Procedure

A carotid ultrasound is a quick and comfortable exam that typically takes about 30 minutes.

During the test:

You will lie comfortably on an exam table.
A clear gel will be applied to your neck to help transmit sound waves.
A small handheld device called a transducer will be moved gently over the skin.
The ultrasound machine creates images of the carotid arteries and measures blood flow.

The procedure is completely painless, and most patients can return to normal activities immediately afterward.

Benefits of Carotid Ultrasound

Carotid ultrasound offers several important advantages for evaluating vascular health:

Non-invasive and painless
No radiation exposure
Quick and convenient testing
Provides real-time blood flow information
Helps identify stroke risk early

This test plays an important role in preventive cardiovascular care, especially for patients with risk factors for atherosclerosis.