What Is Your True Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke?
Find Out with Carotid Intima-Media Thickness at COASTAL CIMT!
80% of heart attacks occur in individuals thought to be
at low to intermediate risk by traditional risk factor assessment
Winston Churchill
chain smoker
died age 89 Jim Fixx
marathon runner
died age 52
2/3 unexpected CARDIAC DEATHS occur without prior symptoms!
Atherosclerosis is the Culprit
Atherosclerosis, commonly called hardening of the arteries, is a gradual build up of fatty cholesterol desposits in the artery wall. It progresses gradually to form a plaque which can rupture, causing a blood clot that produces a heart attack or stroke. Aggressive treatment has been shown to reverse the progression of atherosclerotic plaque.
What Is Carotid Intima-Media Thickness?
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) Test is a sophisticated ultrasound test used extensively in clinical research to precisely measure the thickness of the first two layers of the artery wall (intima-media) where blood flow blocking plaque first develops. The intima-media thickness of the easily accessible common carotid artery has 90% correlation with the arteries of the heart and the rest of the body. The higher the CIMT the greater thew risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes). Measurement of CIMT is recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology for early detection of atherosclerosis.
How is the CIMT Test Performed?
CIMT is a painless, noninvasive 15 minute ultrasound test that does not involve injections, pills or radiation. The sonographer applies conducting gel to the skin over the neck, and then uses a small hand-held transducer to image the carotid arteries.
Early detection can lead to effective intervention.
It is never too late to reduce your risk
for heart attack and stroke.
Call Coastal CIMT at 390-4224 to schedule your CIMT
