CIMT
What is it?
Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) is the most accurate, non-invasive screening method available for predicting the risk of heart attack or stroke. The procedure is painless, free of radiation, and only takes 10-15 minutes.
How does it work?
A sonographer places an ultrasound probe on the main arteries of your neck (carotids) and obtains an image. The images are transferred to a computer, processed by FDA-cleared equipment and analyzed by the sonographer. A summary report showing how you compare to people of your same age and gender is sent to the physician.
Results
After reviewing the CIMT report, the doctor’s office will schedule a time with you to review the results. If there is increased risk for heart attack or stroke, the doctor may order additional testing and prescribe medications/supplements or recommend lifestyle changes.
How did this happen?
Over your lifetime there are many factors that can cause inflammation within the walls of your arteries. Some factors could be genetic or environmental. A substance called plaque may build up in the walls of your arteries as a result of inflammation. Blood flow can be affected when plaque ruptures and can cause a blood clot, which prevents blood from passing through the vessel normally.
Who should have a CIMT?
- Personal/Family History of: – Sexual Dysfunction/ED – Sleep Apnea
- Sexual Dysfunction/ED
- Sleep Apnea
- Heart Attack/Stroke/Dementia
- Overweight
- Smoker
- High Blood Pressure
- Waist Measurement > 35” women > 40” men
- High Cholesterol
- Dental Disease
- Psycho-Social Concerns
- Diabetes or Elevated Blood Sugar
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Little or No Exercise