A carotid ultrasound is done to evaluate your risk of stroke. Risk factors that might make you a candidate for a carotid ultrasound include:
- Being age 55 or older
- Smoking
- Family history of stroke, carotid artery disease, or heart disease.
- Having diabetes
- Having high blood pressure
Some doctors recommend a series of three tests, including the carotid ultrasound exam, to thoroughly check for cardiovascular disease. The other two tests recommended include an abdominal ultrasound to screen for potential abdominal aortic aneurysm and an ankle brachial index test to check for blocked arteries in your legs, a condition called peripheral artery disease. Talk to your doctor to see if receiving all three of these tests is right for you.