Back to: Carotid ultrasound
The health of the blood vessels plays a key role in the prevention of serious cardiovascular diseases, and the carotid arteries are among the most important. They supply the brain with blood, and their narrowing or blockage significantly increases the risk of stroke. Carotid ultrasound is a safe, quick and painless method to assess the condition of these arteries and detect potential problems in time. If you need a carotid ultrasound, on this page you can find a list of clinics in Belgrade that offer this service.
What is carotid artery ultrasound and how is it performed?
Carotid ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound waves to examine the blood vessels of the neck - the carotid arteries. The goal is to assess blood flow, detect possible cholesterol deposits (atherosclerotic plaques), narrowings or clots that can hinder circulation. The examination lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, is completely non-invasive, radiation-free and does not require any special preparation.
When is this examination recommended?
Carotid ultrasound is recommended for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, those who smoke, are overweight or have a family history of stroke. Also, it is often carried out as a preventive examination in people over 50 years old, or in patients who feel symptoms such as dizziness, ringing in the ears, tingling in the extremities or weakness on one side of the body.
Why is timely diagnosis important?
Changes in the carotid arteries often develop without symptoms. With a regular ultrasound examination, it is possible to detect risks in time and prevent complications such as transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and stroke. If a narrowing is detected, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication or further vascular treatment.