While you may not give it much thought, your heart is the organ that keeps you alive and thriving, tirelessly pumping blood through your veins. Therefore, it’s important that you give it the attention that it needs.

The team at Flying Horse Medical Center believes that proactive care is critical to a long, healthy life. This is why we offer Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, or CIMT scans, a revolutionary tool to assess the health of your cardiovascular system and detect potential issues before they escalate.

What is a CIMT scan?

A CIMT scan is a non-invasive ultrasound test that measures the thickness of the inner two layers- intima and media- of the carotid artery. These arteries are located in your neck and are responsible for supplying blood to your brain. The thickness of these layers indicates your overall cardiovascular health.

A CIMT scan allows your physician to identify early signs of atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup. This helps to assess your risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular complications. This procedure is safe and painless, offering an effective, proactive approach to your heart health.

Importance of Cardiovascular Health

Research shows that cardiovascular disease, or CVD, is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming approximately 17.9 million lives annually. Unfortunately, many heart-related issues develop silently over time, with most patients showing no symptoms until a major event happens such as a heart attack or stroke.

The most common risk factors for CVD include:

• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Family history of heart disease
• Diabetes

Even if you feel healthy, you may have some underlying issues. This is where the CIMT scan comes it. This scan can uncover potential issues before they manifest into something more serious.

How Does a CIMT Scan Work?

CIMT scans are simple and stress-free. Here’s what to expect:

• There is no special prep needed for a CIMT scan. You’ll go to the office and lie down comfortable while a trained technician uses an ultrasound device to examine your carotid arteries.
• High-resolution ultrasound technology captures detailed images of the walls of your carotid artery, measuring the thickness of the intima and media layers, detecting any plaque buildup.
• The doctor analyses your results to assess your cardiovascular risk.

The process takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes and there’s no downtime- which means its convenient for even the busiest schedules.

What makes a CIMT scan different?

A CIMT scan, unlike traditional cardiovascular tests looks deeper. While a stress test and cholesterol screenings do offer valuable information, they typically only detect problems after they have developed.

A CIMT scan identifies subclinical atherosclerosis, which means it can detect plaque buildup before symptoms appear. This allows you to take preventative measures and work with your healthcare team to reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Who should consider a CIMT scan?

There are several categories of individuals who should consider getting a CIMT scan, including:

• Those with a family history of cardiovascular disease
• Those with high risk factors including diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity
• Those who are over the age of 40 and want to take a proactive approach to their health
• Those who have experienced symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and/or fatigue
• Those who are seeking a comprehensive understanding of their heart health

Even if you don’t fall into these categories, a CIMT scan can still be beneficial by giving you a clear picture of your cardiovascular condition.

Benefits of Getting a CIMT Scan at Flying Horse Medical Center

The team at Flying Horse Medical Center prioritizes health and wellness through state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and personalized care. Following are a few of the benefits of choosing us for your CIMT scan:

• Our high-resolution imaging ensures accurate and reliable results
• We are committed to helping you achieve optimal health
• Early detection allows you to take a proactive approach to your cardiovascular health rather than a reactive approach
• The scan is quick and non-invasive, which means it will fit easily into your busy schedule

Once we have the results of your scan, we’ll create a tailored care plan including lifestyle and dietary changes. If necessary, we’ll recommend medical interventions.

Taking Action: What Comes After a CIMT Scan?

After your scan, we will take the time to explain your results and what they mean for your cardiovascular health. If plaque buildup or an increased risk is detected, we will work with you to create a personalized plan to reduce those risk factors including:

• Adopting a heart healthy diet that incorporates fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains
• Increasing physical activity
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques and/or counseling
• Using targeted treatments to address medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension

Invest in Your Heart Health Today

Your heart is what keeps you going and investing in its health today could save your life tomorrow. A CIMT scan is a simple, but powerful step toward protecting yourself from the risks of cardiovascular disease. The team at Flying Horse Medical Center is here to support you every step of the way. Schedule your CIMT scan today to begin your journey toward a healthier, happier future.