Intima Media Thickness (IMT) scanning is the most accurate non-invasive screening method available for prediction the risk of heart attack or stroke. The procedure is simple, painless, free of radiation, and completed within 10 minutes. Within days of our scan, you’ll receive a printout of the results showing the age estimate of your arteries. You may be 53 years old, for example, but have arteries equivalent to a 67 year old person. If you have plaque, your results will indicate the number of lesions, their size, and stability.

HOW DOES IMT WORK?

A CardioRisk-trained sonographer places an ultrasound probe on the main arteries of your neck (the carotids) and acquires images. The images are then transferred to a computer, processed by patented and FDA-cleared software, and analyzed at our IMT Technical Center. A summary report is printed showing how you compare to persons of your same age and gender. This report is then given to your doctor to make treatment decisions.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? (THE RESULTS)

After carefully reviewing the IMT scan report, your physician schedules a time with you to go over the results. If your results determine there is no need for immediate follow-up, your doctor may not schedule another scan for 2 to 5 years. If there is an increased risk for heart attack or stroke, your doctor may prescribe various medications and/ or lifestyle changes. Your doctor may also order additional testing.

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

Over your lifetime, genetic and environmental factors may cause inflammation on the inner walls of your artery. A sticky substance called plaque may build up inside your blood vessels. The flow of blood may also be affected when the plaque ruptures and caused a blood clot (thrombus) blocking or clogging the blood vessel.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION STATEMENT

“Carotid Artery B-mode Ultrasound imaging is a safe, non-invasive and relatively inexpensive means of assessing sub-clinical atherosclerosis. The technique is valid and reliable. IMT is an independent predictor of TIA (stroke-like symptoms), stroke and CAD (heart disease)” (Parenthesis added)

AHA Expert Panel Statement of Prevention V Conference – Circulation 2000

*The information on these documents available on the Alpine Clinic web site is not intended to take the place of a consultation with a licensed physician. It is strictly intended for educational purposes, and should not be used to diagnose, cure, prescribe or treat any specific disease.