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Cardiolucent

Procedure

Carotid IMT (Intima-Media Thickness)

A noninvasive vascular ultrasound that measures the thickness of the carotid artery wall — an early marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and future cardiovascular risk.

What it is

A direct look at early arterial disease, years before symptoms.

Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) testing uses high-resolution ultrasound to measure the thickness of the inner two layers of the carotid artery wall. Increased thickness reflects early atherosclerotic change — the same disease process that ultimately causes heart attacks and strokes — long before any plaque is large enough to cause symptoms or be flagged on standard testing. The measurement is precise (down to a fraction of a millimeter), reproducible over time, and compared against age- and sex-matched norms to estimate your relative vascular age.

Quick, comfortable, and read by the cardiologist who saw it.

The exam is performed in-office, typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, and requires no preparation. A water-based gel is applied to the neck and a small probe captures images of both common carotid arteries. Dr. Kedan personally interprets the images during your visit and integrates the result into your overall cardiovascular risk picture — alongside your lipid panel, blood pressure, family history, and any other vascular testing.

Risk-stratification that traditional metrics miss.

Carotid IMT is particularly useful for adults with intermediate calculated cardiovascular risk where the right intensity of preventive therapy is unclear, patients with a strong family history of premature coronary disease, younger patients (where coronary calcium scoring may still be zero), patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) or other nontraditional risk markers, and as a serial test to track the effect of risk-reduction therapy over time.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as a carotid ultrasound for stroke screening?
Related but different. A standard carotid ultrasound looks for visible plaque and significant narrowing — the kind that could cause a stroke. Carotid IMT measures the wall thickness itself and detects atherosclerosis at an earlier stage, before any visible plaque has formed. Both can be done in the same visit; they answer different questions.
How long does the test take?
About 15 to 20 minutes. No fasting, no medication adjustments, no prep.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Cardiolucent operates outside of insurance networks; we provide the documentation needed to submit for out-of-network reimbursement, but most patients pay directly. Many use HSA or FSA funds.
How often should it be repeated?
Typically every 1 to 2 years when used to track the effect of preventive therapy. Annual testing in select higher-risk patients. Dr. Kedan recommends the right cadence for your specific picture.
What does the result mean?
Your IMT is compared against age- and sex-matched norms. A measurement above the 75th percentile suggests accelerated vascular aging and supports more aggressive risk-reduction therapy. A normal measurement is reassuring and helps avoid over-treatment in lower-risk patients.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.