Last Monday when I visited my cardiologist he suggested that it was time to again check my carotid arteries. In the past, they have been partially blocked but not to an extent to cause grievous concern. Recall that I was subjected to a triple bypass in 2015 so we keep a close watch on my pump and its associated plumbing. Yesterday I went back to his office where a tech conducted the carotid ultrasound test. Other than having the goop spread over my neck, it went well. It will be days before I hear back from the doc, if at all until the next appointment some 8 months down the road
Thought I would entertain us with what the chatbot would have to say about this test. I input “carotid ultrasound” and below is what was returned.
A carotid sonogram, also known as a carotid ultrasound, is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the carotid arteries in the neck. These arteries are located on either side of the neck and are responsible for supplying blood to the brain.
During the test, a technician will apply a gel to the skin over the carotid arteries and use a handheld device called a transducer to send sound waves through the skin and into the arteries. The sound waves bounce off the blood vessels and create images that can be viewed on a monitor.
The images can help doctors evaluate the flow of blood through the carotid arteries and look for signs of narrowing or blockages, which can increase the risk of stroke. Carotid sonograms are often used as a screening tool for people who are at risk for stroke or who have symptoms such as dizziness or weakness on one side of the body.
Not too bad a description. I did not edit anything at all. I next did a Google on the subject and received a massive amount of hits. One of the hits, from Webmd, had this to say:
The carotid arteries are major blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain, neck, and face. There are two carotid arteries, one on the right and one on the left. In the neck, each carotid artery branches into two divisions:
- The internal carotid artery supplies blood to the brain.
- The external carotid artery supplies blood to the face and neck.
Like all arteries, the carotid arteries are made of three layers of tissue:
- Intima, the smooth innermost layer
- Media, the muscular middle layer
- Adventitia, the outer layer
The carotid sinus, or carotid bulb, is a widening of a carotid artery at its main branch point. The carotid sinus contains sensors that help regulate blood pressure. The carotid artery pulse can normally be felt in the neck by pressing the fingertips against the side of the windpipe, or trachea.
So now we all know more about carotids than we ever need to know. Tomorrow more on social fitness and what’s coming up more often in the popular press about this concept.