To evaluate the health of your carotid arteries, Perloff Cardiovascular Care offers on-site carotid ultrasound testing at the office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Experienced cardiologist David Perloff, MD, PA, uses the carotid ultrasound technology to identify carotid artery blockages that can cause sudden weakness and headaches and increase your risk for a stroke. Learn more about the diagnostic benefits of a carotid ultrasound by calling Perloff Cardiovascular Care or by booking a consultation online today.
A carotid ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of your carotid arteries. These arteries sit on both sides of your neck and are responsible for delivering blood to your brain and head.
You might need a carotid ultrasound if you have symptoms of carotid artery disease, a condition where plaque builds up in your arteries and interferes with blood flow to your brain. If left untreated, this condition can increase your risk for a stroke and other serious heart complications.
Symptoms that may require a diagnostic evaluation with a carotid ultrasound include:
These symptoms tend to come on suddenly and can be a warning sign of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a temporary loss of blood flow to your brain. They can also occur because of a stroke.
The ultrasound can show blockages in your carotid arteries, and they provide Dr. Perloff the opportunity to assess the severity of your condition.
A carotid ultrasound is a non-invasive and painless procedure Dr. Perloff performs in-office.
During your procedure, you can expect to lie comfortably on an exam table. Dr. Perloff applies a gel over the carotid arteries in your neck before placing a handheld transducer over the area.
The transducer delivers sound waves into your neck. These sound waves bounce off the internal structures and send real-time images of your arteries to an external monitor. Dr. Perloff watches the monitor to evaluate how well blood is flowing through your arteries.
Because the carotid ultrasound technology produces images in real-time, Dr. Perloff can review your results during the same visit.
If you have signs of carotid artery disease or other condition that affects blood flow to your brain, he customizes a plan to treat it. Treating mild blockages might require lifestyle and diet changes and blood-thinning medications.
For more serious blockages, you might need a surgical procedure to remove built-up plaque and clear the blockages. Dr. Perloff discusses all available treatment options before he suggests surgery.
To learn more about the diagnostic benefits of a carotid ultrasound, call Perloff Cardiovascular Care or book a consultation online today.
