Why IMT?

With healthcare coverage being what it is today, diagnostic tests and screenings aren’t always available, especially before symptoms manifest themselves. Early detection of cardiovascular problems affords more solutions than late detection.

Why would I need it?

Most people don’t worry about their health until the symptoms occur. With healthcare being the way it is, you need to take your health personally. Cardiovascular disease is responsible for more deaths than any other disease. In fact, heart attack and stroke are the #1 and #3 killers in America.

Heredity, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, and poor nutrition all play a role in causing the buildup or thickening of the arterial walls. This process, known as atherosclerosis, can lead to blockages of the artery causing heart attack, stroke, and even sudden death.

Prevention is Essential

Now you can take a proactive approach and be screened for cardiovascular abnormalities quickly, conveniently, and inexpensively. If detected early, heart disease can be stopped and even reversed. IMT or Intima Media Thickness assessment is an easy and painless procedure now available to you. IMT is without risk or side effects and is more sensitive and predictive for detection of cardiovascular diseases than any other screening procedure available.

IMT Measurements are a snapshot of your current arterial health and provide assessment of your individual cardiovascular risk. IMT can screen for manifestations of atherosclerosis earlier than other screening modality.

The Procedure

For decades ultrasound has helped physicians “see” developments and problems inside people’s bodies. Combining ultrasound images with recent computer software advancements, we can measure and analyze critical regions inside our blood vessels like never before. Measuring the IMT allows us to take a literal snapshot of a person’s vascular health. This analysis is sophisticated enough to assess your individual risk. It can even detect the early stages of heart disease in teenagers.

How does it work?

An ultrasound wand is placed on your neck and acquires an image of the carotid artery. The images are then interpreted by cutting edge computer technology. The procedure is painless and usually finished within 10 - 15 minutes. The patient receives a printout of the results including a picture of the measured region within the carotid artery.

Your Next Step

Talk to your physician about having your IMT tested today. Early detection is the key to prevention. The American Heart Association recognizes the IMT as a valid test to add incremental information to traditional risk factor assessment.

If you have known Cardiovascular Risk Factors such as High Cholesterol, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Smoking, or Dysmetabolic Syndrome, earlier screening may be indicated and may be covered by your insurance.

Make Your Health A Priority.

This screening has been recommended by the American Heart Association.