Each May, National Stroke Awareness Month calls attention to a sobering reality: strokes are one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States. While many associate strokes with sudden symptoms like slurred speech or facial drooping, what often goes unnoticed is the silent and preventable pathway leading to that critical moment — carotid artery disease (CAD).
Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque builds up inside the two major arteries on either side of the neck that supply blood to the brain. This narrowing, also called stenosis, can restrict blood flow or cause a piece of plaque to break off and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. In fact, up to one-third of all ischemic strokes are caused by carotid artery disease.
Despite this strong correlation, CAD can remain asymptomatic until a stroke occurs. That’s why early detection and routine surveillance are keys to prevention and that is where a carotid ultrasound comes into play.
A carotid ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless, and radiation-free diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the carotid arteries. It allows vascular surgeons to detect narrowing, plaque buildup, and changes in blood flow — all essential indicators of stroke risk.
The test typically takes 15–30 minutes and requires no special preparation. Preventative screenings are often recommended for patients who are:
At the Vein Institute at The Cardiovascular Care Group, we emphasize that carotid ultrasound isn’t just a one-time screening, it’s an integral part of a long-term stroke prevention strategy. That is why patients with Carotid Artery Disease are carefully monitored with repeat testing done on an ongoing basis. By tracking changes over time, our vascular surgeons can determine whether lifestyle changes, medications, or surgical interventions (like carotid endarterectomy or stenting) are needed to reduce your risk.
Unlike many general imaging centers, each of our locations features a dedicated, IAC-accredited Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory, staffed exclusively by licensed vascular technologists trained in vascular imaging. This focus on vascular-only diagnostics means:
This comprehensive, in-house approach ensures that nothing gets lost in translation — an essential advantage when time and precision are critical.
The road to stroke prevention doesn't start in the emergency room. It starts in the vascular lab with awareness, early detection, and proactive care.
This National Stroke Awareness Month, let’s shift the focus from reacting to strokes to preventing them before they start.