Abstract

Carotid ultrasound is a well-established research tool that can identify the presence of atherosclerosis and quantify the degree of arterial injury in a broad range of populations. A specific application of carotid ultrasound, measurement of intima-media thickness (IMT), precisely quantifies the combined thicknesses of intimal and medial layers of the arterial wall. Carotid IMT values are strongly associated with abnormal levels of risk factors for atherosclerotic vascular disease and prevalent vascular disease, and independently predict future cardiovascular disease events.[1] In well-trained hands, the accuracy and reproducibility of carotid IMT are unsurpassed among non-invasive tests of arterial injury. The strong evidence base associating increased cardiovascular disease risk with increasing carotid IMT has led to this test being recommended, in selected adults, as a clinical tool to assist with CVD risk prediction.