Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurement is a simple 15 minute screening test, using ultrasound, that provides insight into a person’s cardiovascular health.  It detects the earliest traces of plaque within the layers of the artery wall, years before there is enough blockage of blood flow to cause a heart attack or stroke.  It is also used to determine “arterial age”, which compares a person’s average carotid artery thickness to a person of that age who is at normal risk.

CIMT is the ideal screening test as it is non-invasive, inexpensive and capable of detecting disease very early so that steps may be taken to reverse or slow the disease process. CIMT is shown in numerous studies to help predict who is at increased risk for heart attack or stroke.  It can be used in men and women starting at any age to detect the earliest signs of artery plaque.  It can differentiate between soft (active) plaque and hard (stable) plaque which help us gauge whether or not existing plaque is actively growing.

CIMT measures the distance between the intima (inner) and media (middle) layers of the artery wall.  If there is inflammation and active cholesterol plaque present then the distance increases.  If the thickness is above the 75th percentile for your age then significant activity is happening and your risk for cardiovascular disease is increased.

“Arterial age” (AA) gives an idea of the age of your arteries compared with normal arteries at your age.  For example, at age 55 a slightly thickened CIMT might represent the artery of a 65 year old, thus an AA of 65.  If the arterial age is more than 5 yrs greater than actual age then there is significant increased risk of a cardiovascular event.

CIMT is measured in the carotid artery just below the point in the neck where it splits into the internal and external branches.  In this way it is standardized to be measured at the same point each and every time, thus is highly reproducible.  It is resulted in millimeters (mm) and a thickness >1mm is considered increased.

If you would like to schedule a CIMT test please call or text our office at 970-245-6911.