Quick, Painless Test to Assess Vascular Health
Advanced Lipidology offers a safe, painless, FDA-approved examination that quickly reveals the effects of all risk factors you have on the health of your arteries. The test is called a CIMT, which stand for Carotid Intima Media Thickness… A CIMT scan is a non-invasive technique using ultrasound (sound waves) to detect and quantify vascular disease and cardiovascular risk before any symptoms occur. The CIMT measures the thickness of the inner two layers of the carotid arteries (the intima and media) and the analysis tells us your risk for cardiovascular disease. Early detection of increased thickness may indicate the need for a more aggressive approach to managing the risk factors causally associated with heart disease and stroke. In addition, the scan is able to detect presence of plaques in the arteries – a manifestation of more significant vascular disease.
How is the scan performed?
The ultrasound of the carotid arteries on both sides of your neck is performed by a trained physician, midlevel provider or a sonographer, who has special training in performing the CIMT… A gel-like substance will be applied to your neck after which an ultrasound probe will be gently placed to obtain images that will be recorded and stored for review. The ultrasound device utilizes sophisticated digital imaging and automatic edge detection software to accurately and reproducibly measure the thickness of the inner two layers of the artery and plaque, if present. The CIMT takes 20 minutes. There is no preparation needed for the test and no radiation and no injections involved in the scan. Also, you do not need to disrobe for the test
Who interprets the test?
A medical provider with expertise in CIMT will interpret and report the result of the test. Results will be discussed with you at the time of the scan, or at an office visit usually made 2 weeks after the procedure is performed.
What is the cost?
A CIMT is $198 if you are a patient or become a patient of Advanced Lipidology. If you are not a current or new patient, the cost is $250.
Should You Have a CIMT Test?
The CIMT test is most appropriate for individuals that have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Family history of heart disease/stroke
- Tobacco user
- High blood pressure
- High LDL – “bad” cholesterol
- Low HDL – “good” cholesterol
- Elevated triglyceride
- Insulin Resistance
- Metabolic syndrome
- Diabetes
