Summary: Seniors with cardiovascular risk factors should get a carotid ultrasound annually. Those with moderate stenosis may need it every 6 months, and post-surgery patients typically require follow-ups at 1 month, 6 months, and then annually.

Seniors with a family history of cardiovascular disease, or other risk factors, are advised to get a carotid ultrasound. The procedure is a quick and painless and locates blocked carotid arteries. How often to receive this ultrasound depends on an initial exam but is usually recommended annually.

What are carotid arteries?

The carotid arteries are two major blood vessels located on either side of the neck below the windpipe. They carry oxygenated blood from the senior’s heart to their brain as well as to other parts of the head, such as the eyes, tongue, and face.

These vital arteries are composed of two split branches: the internal carotid artery and the external carotid artery. The internal carotid artery supplies blood to the brain while the external carotid artery delivers blood to both the face and neck.

When disease affects the carotid arteries, they can cause a stroke. In fact, according to Penn Medicine, one-third of all strokes are caused by carotid artery disease. A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain becomes blocked, resulting in injury to the brain.

What is a carotid ultrasound?

Carotid artery disease is diagnosed in part by a carotid ultrasound, also known as a Doppler ultrasound. This simple, non-invasive test is used to examine the health of the carotid arteries. The carotid ultrasound relies on sound waves that bounce off the blood vessels and artery walls.

These sound waves create images of the carotid arteries. Health practitioners review the images on a video screen to assess blood flow and thickness of the patient’s artery walls; the test results are also used to check for clots or blockages in the arteries.

If plaque has built up in the arteries, a carotid ultrasound detects it. A buildup of plaque reduces blood flow to the brain, which can lead to the increased risk of stroke. On the other hand, the ultrasound also detects when arteries are not blocked or narrowed—considered normal results.

Who needs a carotid ultrasound?

The Society for Vascular Medicine recommends that individuals aged 55 and older with a history of cardiovascular disease undergo a carotid ultrasound. Additionally, seniors with a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, or high cholesterol are also advised to get screened.

Risk factors for carotid artery disease include age, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Individuals who are obese or remain physically inactive also have an increased risk for developing this disease. Seniors with a family history of atherosclerosis and/or stroke are at risk.

Older adults may experience health symptoms, such as numbness on one side of the body, problems with speech, memory, and thinking or blurred vision. These are symptoms of a stroke. Confusion may also occur in seniors who are experiencing a stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack or mini-stroke).

How often should seniors get a carotid ultrasound?

Seniors with risk factors, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, are recommended to undergo preventative, routine screenings. For these individuals, a carotid ultrasound should be performed annually. Routine screenings are not necessary for asymptomatic adults without risk factors.

However, after an initial medical exam, the frequency at which a carotid ultrasound should be performed varies. After carotid artery stenting, for instance, seniors must have the ultrasound done within 30 days, then biannually for two years. Ultrasounds are advised annually afterward.

For older adults who suffer from moderate stenosis (50 to 79 percent), carotid ultrasounds are necessary every 6 months to evaluate disease progression. However, elderly individuals with less than 50 percent carotid stenosis should schedule follow-up visits once a year.

When a carotid endarterectomy with primary suturing is performed, follow-up exams should be done at these intervals: initially at 1 month, then 6 months and subsequently on an annual basis. Patients need no follow-up after carotid endarterectomy with patch angioplasty if the 6-month follow-up is normal.

Upon receiving results of the test, the senior is given an explanation of what the carotid ultrasound means. If the older patient is at risk for a stroke, the health care provider may recommend various therapies based on the severity of the artery blockage revealed in the ultrasound.

Seniors may be advised to eat a healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain breads, while limiting saturated fats. Other lifestyle changes include regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. Elderly smokers should stop smoking, and seniors should avoid second-hand smoke.

The older adult’s doctor may prescribe medications to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol. The elderly might need to take prescription medications to prevent blood clots. A carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure that removes carotid artery plaques, may be suggested.

Getting a carotid ultrasound is a painless way for seniors to evaluate their health. When your aging loved one needs reliable transportation and escort to the medical facility to have this test done, the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are available.

Our reputable elder care agency serves the non-medical care needs of seniors of all ability levels. In addition to providing transportation to local areas, we give timely medication reminders. Your loved one stays on top of their drug regimen with the help of our attentive caregivers.

We also shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other groceries. Caregivers prepare healthy meals, so seniors eat nutritiously and reduce their risk of a stroke or blocked artery. We schedule exercise into their day so they stay physically active and healthy—which also increases their independence.

Caregivers perform light housekeeping, offer discreet assistance with hygiene tasks, and serve as friendly companions. Care options are flexible and include Parkinson’s care and hospice care. Our comprehensive care services are provided in the comfort of the care recipient’s home.

Whether your aging loved one is at risk for cardiovascular disease and needs support or simply prefers a helping hand at home, choose Assisting Hands Home Care in Westlake, Ohio. Schedule a free in-home consult today and learn how quality senior home care improves their well-being. Call 440-517-4623.