Re: Carotid Arteries

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD-APS on February 14, 1999 at 16:13:06:

In Reply to: Carotid Arteries posted by Allen Van  on February 11, 1999 at 14:24:54:






I sometimes have a feeling in the neck area that leads me to think there is a possibility that the carotid arteries might be clogging up.  Is there a simple(?)test to determine their condition?  Thanking you in advance for any information you can give me.




Dear Allen,
There is a very easy, non-invasive test called a doppler ultrasound that is used to test the blood flow in the carotid arteries.  Abnormalities in the flow characteristics will reveal varying levels of blockage.
Go see your doctor, share with him/her your concerns and following a history and physical exam (the doctor will listen to your neck with the stethescope while you hold your breath), if indicated, the test will be ordered.  There are certain symptoms that are worrisome for a blockage in the neck artery, and if a murmur is heard on exam the test is indicated.
I hope this information is useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for
general purposes only.  Only your physician can provided specific diagnoses and therapies.
Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck!
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please
call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at
www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the
cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your
cardiac problem.