Carotid IMT Specialist
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Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity
Joel Kahn, MD
Integrative Cardiologist located in Bingham Farms, MI
At the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity, Joel Kahn, MD, uses a carotid ultrasound to make sure your blood is flowing properly from your heart to your brain. If you live near Detroit, schedule a heart disease evaluation at Dr. Kahn’s clinic in Bingham Farms, Michigan. Call now to schedule the most accurate version of a carotid ultrasound called a Carotid Intimal-Medial Thickness CIMT examination.
Carotid IMT
What are the carotid arteries?
On each side of your neck, you have two main blood vessels, your carotid arteries. If these arteries narrow or become blocked, you’re at risk of having a stroke.
What is carotid artery stenosis?
A blockage in one or both of your carotid arteries is typically caused by a condition called carotid artery stenosis, which is a slow accumulation of fatty deposits all along your artery walls. You’re at risk of developing the dangerous problem if you smoke, have high blood pressure, and/or are overweight.
What are the symptoms of carotid artery stenosis?
You might not know your carotid arteries are gumming up with plaque until your brain is deprived of oxygen and you have a stroke. Signs that you’re experiencing a stroke include:
- Debilitating headache
- Numbness in your face
- Trouble talking
- Blurred vision
- Loss of equilibrium
If you suddenly develop any one of these symptoms, seek emergency care.
How is carotid artery stenosis diagnosed?
If you have a number of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, Dr. Kahn does a thorough physical exam and listens to your carotid artery. He also recommends a noninvasive test called a Carotid Intimal Medial Thickness (CIMT or Carotid IMT) ultrasound. It’s quick and painless and reveals if you have narrowing of or blockage in your carotids.
What’s the treatment for carotid artery stenosis?
Dr. Kahn’s main goal is to prevent blockages so you never develop one. Using a carotid ultrasound helps your care team detect the earliest phases of plaque buildup, and blood tests show if you have arterial inflammation, a warning sign of the more serious cardiovascular disease or carotid artery stenosis.
As a holistic cardiologist, Dr. Kahn leaves no stone unturned as he searches for the root cause of your condition. Diseased arteries are often a consequence of high blood pressure, diabetes, inadequate sleep, an unhealthy diet, and/or obesity.
If you suspect you have a blockage in your carotid arteries or have an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, call the clinic to schedule a consultation.
