Carotid ultrasound
An ultrasound of the arteries in your neck that shows plaque and any narrowing on the way to your brain.
TypeImaging — ultrasound
HowGel and a probe on your neck for about 20–30 minutes.
How oftenWhen advised - not as routine screening.
BeforeNo preparation.
WhoPeople with stroke-like symptoms, a neck bruit or advised by their provider.
Plaque in the arteries to your brain
Your carotid arteries run up the neck to the brain. An ultrasound shows plaque or narrowing that could raise stroke risk. It’s useful with symptoms or a murmur - not as a routine check for everyone.
With symptoms
“Could this be stroke risk?”
Brief weakness, numbness or vision loss needs urgent review - often including this scan.
Urgent
Murmur heard
“What’s that sound?”
A whooshing noise over the artery can mean narrowing.
Check
No symptoms
“Should I be screened?”
Usually not. A calcium score gives a better view of heart risk.
Usually not needed
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You’ve had a mini-stroke (TIA) or stroke-like symptoms.
- A doctor heard a whooshing sound (bruit) in your neck.
- Your provider wants to see known plaque over time.
A better option if…
- You feel well with no symptoms - routine screening for narrowing isn’t recommended.
- You want an overall heart-plaque check - a calcium score is more commonly used.
How it’s measured
Duplex ultrasound
Shows the artery wall and measures blood flow speed through any narrowing.
The full picture
What is it?
An ultrasound scan of the carotid arteries in the neck.
What type of test is it?
An imaging test with no radiation.
What does it measure?
Plaque, wall thickness and how much the artery is narrowed.
Why might someone consider it?
Significant narrowing raises stroke risk and may need treatment.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with symptoms or findings - not the general population.
How is it performed?
A probe is moved along each side of your neck.
How often might it be considered?
As advised to follow known narrowing.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether there’s plaque or narrowing that could affect blood flow to your brain.
What are its limitations?
Screening people without symptoms can lead to unnecessary procedures.
What should it be viewed with?
Symptoms, blood pressure, ApoB, smoking history and heart rhythm.
Where to get it
Through your provider
A referral to cardiology or a hospital heart centre.
Cardiology clinics
Most offer this test on site.
Imaging & hospital centres
Some accept self-referral - check coverage first.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Is this test needed given my symptoms?
- How would the result change my care?
Ziva Health
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Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test