Heart disease is often called the "silent killer" because many people have no symptoms until a serious event such as a heart attack or stroke occurs. Our Cardio Scan Ultrasound is a safe, painless, and non-invasive screening designed to help detect early signs of cardiovascular disease before symptoms develop.
Using advanced ultrasound technology, this scan evaluates the health of your carotid arteries, which supply blood to your brain. Plaque buildup or thickening of these arteries can be an early indicator of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and an increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
What Can a Cardio Scan Detect?
A Cardio Scan Ultrasound may help identify:
- Plaque buildup in the carotid arteries
- Thickening of the artery walls (Carotid Intima-Media Thickness or CIMT)
- Early signs of atherosclerosis
- Increased risk factors for heart attack and stroke
Early detection gives you and your healthcare provider the opportunity to make informed decisions about lifestyle changes, treatment options, and ongoing monitoring before serious complications occur.
Who Should Consider a Cardio Scan?
This screening may be beneficial if you:
- Are age 40 or older
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol
- Have diabetes or prediabetes
- Smoke or have a history of smoking
- Have a family history of heart disease or stroke
- Are overweight or obese
- Want to be proactive about your cardiovascular health
Even if you feel healthy, cardiovascular disease can develop silently over many years.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
A Cardio Scan Ultrasound is:
- Completely non-invasive
- Painless
- Radiation-free
- Completed in approximately 15–30 minutes
- Performed by trained medical professionals
During the exam, an ultrasound probe is gently placed on your neck to evaluate blood flow and the condition of your carotid arteries. Once the scan is complete, your provider will review the results with you and discuss any recommended next steps.
Why Early Detection Matters
The earlier cardiovascular disease is identified, the more opportunities there may be to reduce your risk through healthy lifestyle changes, medical management, and preventive care. Detecting changes before symptoms appear can be an important step toward protecting your long-term heart health.
Take Control of Your Heart Health
At Columbus Physical Medicine Center, we believe prevention is just as important as treatment. Our Cardio Scan Ultrasound provides valuable insight into your cardiovascular health and helps identify potential concerns before they become serious.
Whether you have known risk factors or simply want peace of mind, our team is here to help you take a proactive approach to your heart health.