EARLY DETECTION OF STROKE RISK WITH CAROTID ARTERY DOPPLER ULTRASOUND

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and in many cases, people do not know they are at risk until it occurs. Early detection and prevention are crucial to reducing the risk of stroke. One of the most effective diagnostic methods is carotid Doppler ultrasound – a simple, safe and accurate technique for assessing vascular health and stroke risk.

1. What is carotid Doppler ultrasound?

Carotid Doppler ultrasound is a technique that uses ultrasound waves to measure and observe the flow of blood through the carotid arteries – the main blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. The carotid arteries are located on both sides of the neck and play an important role in supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When these arteries are blocked or narrowed, the risk of stroke increases due to lack of blood supply to the brain.

Using non-invasive ultrasound, this technique helps to examine and evaluate the level of atherosclerosis, blockage or stenosis of the carotid artery, thereby diagnosing the risk of stroke.

2. Why does carotid Doppler ultrasound help detect early stroke risk?

2.1 Measurement of carotid artery stenosis

One of the main causes of stroke is carotid artery stenosis . This occurs when plaque builds up on the artery walls, restricting blood flow. Carotid Doppler ultrasound can help determine the degree of stenosis and the location of blockages in the arteries, thereby predicting the risk of stroke.

2.2 Early detection of atherosclerotic plaques

Atherosclerotic plaques may not cause obvious symptoms in the early stages, but they can gradually grow and cause narrowing of the carotid artery. Doppler ultrasound can detect small changes in the structure of blood vessels, helping to diagnose atherosclerotic plaques early, before they become dangerous.

2.3 Assessment of blood flow and abnormal flow

Doppler ultrasound not only allows you to check the narrowing of blood vessels, but also measures blood flow through the carotid artery. Abnormal or significantly reduced blood flow can be a sign of stroke risk. The results from the ultrasound help your doctor evaluate and plan timely treatment.

3. Who should perform carotid Doppler ultrasound?

Not everyone needs a carotid Doppler ultrasound, but people at high risk of stroke should consider it as an effective preventive measure. People who should have a carotid Doppler ultrasound include:

• Elderly people , especially those 50 years of age and older.
• People with a family history of heart disease or stroke.
• People with high blood pressure, diabetes or lipid disorders.
• Long-term smoker .
• People with symptoms of prolonged headache , dizziness , temporary loss of vision , or weakness in the limbs .

If you are in a high-risk group, regular carotid Doppler ultrasound examinations will help detect risks early and provide effective stroke prevention options.

4. Procedure for performing carotid artery Doppler ultrasound

The carotid Doppler ultrasound procedure is fairly simple and safe. No special preparation is required from the patient before the procedure, and the ultrasound only takes about 15-30 minutes.

• Step 1 : The patient lies on his back on the ultrasound bed, head slightly tilted to expose the neck area.
• Step 2 : The doctor will apply ultrasound conductive gel to the neck area and use the probe to move along the carotid artery.
• Step 3 : Ultrasound waves are sent from the probe into the body and reflected back, allowing the doctor to observe the artery structure and blood flow.
• Step 4 : Ultrasound results are displayed immediately on the screen and can be analyzed by the doctor during the procedure.

Carotid Doppler ultrasound is painless and does not cause discomfort to the patient, and has absolutely no side effects.

5. Effective stroke prevention with carotid artery Doppler ultrasound

Early detection of stroke risk factors, especially carotid artery stenosis or blockage, gives patients the opportunity for early treatment and effective prevention. Using Doppler ultrasound, doctors can recommend interventions such as dietary changes, blood pressure control, or even surgery if necessary to prevent the risk of stroke.

6. Conclusion

Carotid Doppler ultrasound is an important method for early detection and prevention of stroke risk, especially for those at high risk. Performing regular ultrasound not only helps you grasp your cardiovascular health status but is also an important step in protecting your life from dangerous complications of vascular disease. Take care of your health today by performing carotid Doppler ultrasound at reputable medical facilities and under the guidance of medical experts.