Carotid artery disease or carotid stenosis is quite common, impacting approximately five to twenty percent of Americans, varying with age and other risk factors.  Carotid artery disease is caused by atherosclerosis, or the gradual accumulation of calcified plaque in the arterial walls. Plaque can eventually restrict or completely block the flow of blood through the arteries, causing a stroke. Stroke can also occur when a bit of the plaque flakes off and embolizes into the brain.

The biggest risk factors for developing atherosclerosis and carotid artery disease include elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, high blood pressure, smoking, chronic inflammation, and family history.

Duplex ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries is performed to evaluate for atherosclerotic  stenoses and blockages.  Carotid arterial duplex ultrasound uses real-time imaging and color Doppler to evaluate the structure and function of the common, external, and internal carotid arteries in about 30 minutes. Because duplex technology allows evaluation of the blood flow as well as the arterial structure, it is considered the gold standard in evaluating the carotid arterial system of the extremities. Because it does not use ionizing radiation, duplex ultrasonography is considered harmless and can be safely used with pregnant patients and patients of any age.There is no required prep and NPO is not necessary.