Heart Health Tests and Carotid Ultrasounds: What You Need to Know

Are you concerned about your heart health, or have you been referred for a heart health test such as a carotid ultrasound? Understanding what these tests involve — and why they’re important — is a powerful first step in protecting your long-term health.

Heart disease and stroke remain leading causes of illness in Australia, yet many people have no symptoms until something serious occurs. Preventive testing helps identify risks early, when action can make the biggest difference.

What Is a Heart Health Test (Carotid Ultrasound)?

A carotid ultrasound, sometimes referred to as a heart health test, is a non-invasive and painless scan that uses sound waves to assess blood flow through your carotid arteries. These major arteries are located on either side of your neck and are responsible for supplying blood to your brain.

Over time, plaque — made up of cholesterol, fats, calcium and other substances — can build up in the artery walls. If plaque becomes significant, it may restrict blood flow and increase the risk of stroke.

A carotid ultrasound helps detect these changes early, often before symptoms appear.

Why Is a Carotid Ultrasound Performed?

A carotid ultrasound is commonly performed to:

• Check for narrowing or blockages in the carotid arteries
• Assess stroke risk
• Investigate symptoms such as dizziness or transient vision loss
• Monitor known cardiovascular disease

Your GP may refer you for a carotid ultrasound if you:

• Have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• Have risk factors for cardiovascular disease
• Have abnormal sounds detected in the neck during examination

Most GPs will arrange a specialist referral for this test if it is clinically indicated.

Risk Factors That May Prompt Testing

Your doctor may recommend a carotid ultrasound if you have one or more of the following risk factors:

• Coronary artery disease
• Family history of stroke or heart disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking history

Identifying arterial narrowing early allows your care team to put strategies in place to reduce future risk.

What Is Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease develops when fatty deposits build up inside the carotid arteries, restricting blood flow to the brain. It usually progresses slowly and often without symptoms.

For many people, the first sign of carotid artery disease is a stroke or TIA — a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain that can cause short-term neurological symptoms.

This is why preventive testing and regular health checks are so important.

Other Tests Your Doctor May Recommend

Depending on your health profile, your GP may suggest additional investigations, including:

• Cardiac stress test – assesses how your heart responds to physical activity
• Ankle-brachial index test – compares blood pressure in the arm and ankle to detect reduced leg circulation
• Abdominal ultrasound – checks blood flow and vessel health in the abdominal region

These tests provide a more complete picture of your cardiovascular health.

How Does a Carotid Ultrasound Work?

A carotid ultrasound uses a small handheld device called a transducer, which emits sound waves. These waves bounce off blood vessels and return to the device, creating detailed images of the arteries and blood flow — similar to sonar technology.

The sonographer moves the transducer gently along your neck to capture images from different angles.

What Happens During the Test?

During your carotid ultrasound:

• You’ll lie comfortably on an examination bed
• A gel is applied to the neck to improve image quality
• The transducer is gently moved over the area
• The test is painless and usually takes around 30 minutes

There’s no downtime, and you can resume normal activities straight after.

Understanding Your Results

You won’t need to interpret the results yourself. A specialist will review the scan and provide a report to your GP, who will discuss the findings with you and recommend any next steps if needed.

Can You Reduce the Need for Future Testing?

While not all risk factors can be controlled, healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce plaque build-up and cardiovascular risk:

• Quit smoking
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet
• Limit saturated fats
• Manage blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes

Small, consistent changes can have a big impact over time.

Are There Any Risks?

Carotid ultrasounds are very safe. They don’t use radiation, and there are no known risks associated with the procedure. If you have concerns, your GP can discuss them with you prior to referral.

Book an Appointment for a Heart Health Check

If you’re concerned about your heart health or believe you may need further testing, speak with your GP. They can assess your risk factors, organise appropriate investigations, and help you create a personalised plan to protect your heart and brain health.

Early detection saves lives — and prevention is always better than cure.