Free Carotid Bruit Screening on February 16, 2012, at the Greater Portage Chamber Luncheon from St. Mary Medical Center.
What is a Carotid Bruit?
A carotid bruit is an abnormal sound that can be heard when a stethoscope is placed on either side of the neck on top of the carotid arteries which run from the heart up into the brain. Normally, blood flows smoothly through these blood vessels, but when the vessels are blocked or narrowed, the flow of blood becomes turbulent - leading to an abnormal sound. This abnormal sound can be a warning sign of a stroke since an obstruction or narrowing can decrease blood flow to the brain.
What Happens if Your Doctor Hears a Carotid Artery Bruit Sound During an Exam?
Most doctors order additional studies when they hear a carotid artery bruit. One test that’s used is an ultrasound study of the carotid arteries in the neck. This is a non-invasive, painless procedure that uses sound waves to look for obstruction or narrowing in the arteries.
If an ultrasound test shows no obstruction or narrowing of the arteries, a carotid artery bruit may be called innocent since it doesn't increase the risk for stroke. Innocent carotid bruits are more common in children and young people who have a faster heart rate and greater flow of blood through the carotid arteries. Innocent carotid bruits require no treatment.
Follow CHS Hospitals on Twitter
Visit the St. Mary Medical Center website
1500 South Lake Park Ave
Hobart, IN 46342
Phone: 219-942-0551
Recent studies show that a carotid artery bruit on physical exam may be a marker for an increased risk of heart disease. In fact, an analysis of a variety of studies showed that carotid artery bruits are associated with a higher risk for heart attack. This makes sense. If the carotid arteries are narrowed with plaque, there’s a good chance that other vessels such as the coronary arteries that carry blood to the heart are too.
The Bottom Line?
A carotid bruit requires further investigation - usually an ultrasound study. In some cases, it can indicate a higher risk of stroke or heart disease, but in young people it may be a normal finding.