Cardiovascular Tests: Carotid Scan

A carotid scan, also known as a vascular ultrasound, is a non-invasive test used to evaluate the condition of your heart's arteries. Using the carotid scan, doctors can tell if arteries have become plugged or hardened. The carotid artery is a large artery that travels from the aorta to the brain. The carotid scan uses ultrasound to measure how well blood is flowing through your carotid artery. The scan is painless and takes between 20 and 30 minutes. As the technician scans your artery, the images will appear on a monitor and are recorded for later evaluation.