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What Is A CIMT and How Can I Prepare for One?
Your Guide to Preparing for a CIMT Scan: Understanding and Getting Ready
What is a CIMT Scan?
The Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test, commonly known as CIMT, is a non-invasive ultrasound examination designed to detect the presence of plaque in the carotid arteries. These arteries are vital as they supply blood to your brain, neck, and face. The CIMT focuses on measuring the thickness of the intima and media, the two inner layers of the carotid artery. An increased thickness can be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease, making CIMT a crucial test for those at risk.
Why is CIMT Important?
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, and early detection is key to prevention and management. CIMT helps in identifying the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, even before symptoms appear. Risk factors contributing to increased carotid intima-media thickness include aging, high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and leading an inactive lifestyle.
Preparing for Your CIMT Scan
The good news is that preparing for a CIMT scan requires little effort on your part. Here are some tips to ensure you're ready for the test:
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothes for your test day. A shirt with an open neck is ideal, as it provides easy access to the neck area where the scan is performed.
Leave Jewelry at Home: To avoid interference with the ultrasound equipment, it's best to leave any neck jewelry at home.
No Fasting Required: Unlike some medical tests, you do not need to fast before a CIMT scan.
Inform Your Doctor: If you have a history of neck surgeries or medical conditions affecting your cervical region, inform your healthcare provider beforehand.
During the Procedure
CIMT scans are painless and quick, typically taking 30 to 45 minutes. Here's what to expect:
Gel Application: A water-based gel will be applied to your neck to improve contact between the ultrasound transducer and your skin.
Scanning: The technologist will move the transducer across your neck, capturing images of your carotid artery from various angles.
Comfort: You should experience no discomfort, although slight pressure may be felt as the transducer is moved across your neck.
After the Procedure
No Downtime: You can resume your normal activities immediately after the scan.
Results: The results, including your CIMT measurement and risk profile, will be reviewed by your healthcare provider, who will discuss the next steps or any necessary interventions with you.
A CIMT scan is a simple yet powerful tool in the fight against cardiovascular disease. By measuring the thickness of your carotid artery's walls, it provides crucial early detection of potential health issues, allowing for timely preventive measures. With minimal preparation required, it's an easy step to take for your heart health. Remember, when it comes to cardiovascular disease, knowledge is power, and early detection is key.
Here's a brief video showing a patient receiving a CIMT scan to help you further prepare:
Why should you get this C-IMT scan?
Informed patients make better decisions.
Early Detection of Heart Disease Risk
A C-IMT scan can act as an early warning system by identifying increased thickness in the artery walls long before any symptoms of heart disease or stroke become evident.
Personalized Treatment Plan
The results of a C-IMT scan can help your doctor tailor a treatment plan to reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke, which is the leading cause of death and disability in the world.
Non-Invasive and Safe
Unlike some other tests, the C-IMT scan is non-invasive and uses ultrasound, not radiation. It's safe and doesn't require any special preparation.
Family History
If you have a family history of early heart disease or stroke, the scan can provide valuable information about your own risk, helping you and your doctor to take preventive measures.
Peace of Mind
If you are anxious about your cardiovascular health, a vasometric scan can provide reassurance if your results are within a normal range.
Vasolabs Is A Premier Provider Of Safe, Convenient Heart Disease Screenings.
Vasolabs Is A Premier Provider Of Safe, Convenient Heart Disease Screenings.
Uses the newest ultrasound technology
Determines whether or not you have heart disease
Pain-free. Requires no wires, treadmills, or needles.
Takes only 15 minutes
Get your Easy-to-Understand Report within 24 hours
Optional Discussion with your Clinician
Schedule a test to see if you’re at risk of heart disease!
Identify Your Risks of Getting Cardiovascular Disease With a Simple C-IMT Scan!
Know if You Are at Risk for Heart Attacks, Strokes, and other Cardiovascular Diseases:
$499 $199
What's Included in your Report:
See your Vascular Age!
Soft or Calcified Plaque is visualized, you’ll see it all.
Track Your inflammation, Know your Artery Blockage.
Informed patients make better decisions.
Loved ones depend on you.
Do I Need a Heart Screening?
Here is a checklist of factors that put you at elevated risk for heart attack, stroke, and other forms of cardiovascular disease:
Over 40 years of age
Family history of heart disease/stroke
Overweight
Increased cholesterol level
High-fat diet
Tobacco user
High blood pressure
Diabetic
Metabolic syndrome
Erectile dysfunction
Psoriasis
Peace of Mind is Priceless
Looking back, it's chilling to realize how close I came to the edge. I opted for a test at Vasolabs on a whim, without any particular symptoms. Boy, am I glad I did! Turns out, my arteries were nearly clogged up - something regular doctors wouldn't have caught unless there were signs of a problem. By the time I got a couple of second opinions and returned to my regular doctor, my arteries were 95% blocked. If I hadn't taken the test when I did, I could have had a stroke. Trust me when I say this, going to Vasolabs was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
- George B
I was really worried about getting a heart attack because its already happened in our family. So taking this test gave me the peace of mind I was looking for. And it was so cool to see the age of my artery was younger than I was!!
- Barbara L.
I went to Vasolabs for their C-IMT testing, thinking it'd be a complicated deal, but nope! It was as easy as getting a photo taken. And guess what? They found an issue that could've been a silent threat. Thanks to them catching it early, my doctor and I are on top of it now. Honestly, I feel like I dodged a bullet. Big thumbs up for Vasolabs!
- Walter S.
I saw an ad on Facebook and I got the C-IMT Test for myself and my husband, it was such an easy process. And a great gift idea for family. It was really fun to look at the results and good to know I need to work on my health.
- Jessica F.
Frequently Asked Question
What is a C-IMT scan?
A C-IMT Scan is a non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound technology to measure the thickness of your carotid arteries' walls. These arteries, located on each side of your neck, supply blood to your brain. Over time, plaque can build up in these arteries, causing them to thicken. This is often an early sign of atherosclerosis, a disease that can lead to serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
Where do I go to get this scan?
For your quick, 15-minute appointment, simply head over to our facility located at 1414 South 600 West, Bountiful, UT 84010.
Who takes my test?
Dean Ence, an expert sonographer, will be handling your fast, no-pain test to figure out the 'age' of your arteries. This test checks how thick your artery walls are - thicker walls can mean inflammation. It's all simplified for you to understand easily. We also spot and show plaque, whether soft or hard, in your arteries. You get detailed pictures from the ultrasound for your records. Taking care of your health is our main goal!
How long does the C-IMT Scan and Report take?
The duration of the C-IMT scan can vary depending on various factors, like the complexity of the patient's condition. Typically, a Vasometric scan takes around 15 minutes to complete. The report is done and delivered within 24 hours to you.
Will my insurance cover this C-IMT Scan?
Most insurance providers don't cover the cost of this scan. However, most hospitals are around $800 a scan, but we are only charging $199!
Hospitals often inflate prices due to the complex nature of their billing systems and agreements with insurance companies.
Our Mission:
Vasolabs is dedicated to promoting heart health by providing innovative, easy-to-access tests. We empower people with insights into their vascular health for early risk detection.