IMT Testing: A Powerful Advanced Diagnostic Technique to Predict Heart Attack and Stroke
IMT testing – also known as a carotid intima media thickness test or a carotid IMT scan – has become an increasingly valuable diagnostic tool in our preventive cardiology practice. More and more scientific evidence suggests that IMT testing can help predict your risk of serious cardiovascular disease such as heart attack or stroke by identifying hidden problems at an early stage, when they can be effectively treated with preventive therapy.
What’s this “intima media” thing, anyway?
It’s actually two things – the intima and the media. The intima is the innermost layer of the three layers that make up the artery wall. It is in direct (think “intimate”) contact with the blood, and is composed of a layer of cells called endothelial cells. These cells are very important: changes in endothelial cells result in inflammation, atherosclerosis, and blood clots. Directly below the intima is the media, the middle layer of the arterial wall, which is made up of smooth muscle cells.
Why is measuring carotid intima-media thickness important?
Arterial plaques form where the intima meets the media. The distance between the intima and the media is defined as the intima media thickness, or IMT. Increased IMT in the carotid artery correlates with the presence of arterial plaques, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which greatly raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. Although carotid artery blockage is linked to lack of blood flow to the brain (which is what a stroke is), the evidence suggests that carotid artery blockage is a pretty good measure of coronary artery disease as well.
IMT testing can often detect early-stage atherosclerosis before other traditional diagnostic tests can.
If you have small arterial plaques, you may have normal levels of cholesterol and other blood lipids. You may also have normal blood pressure. Even other biomarkers most cardiologists test for may be negative. With IMT testing, however, if your carotid intima media thickness is abnormal, we can immediately start you on a custom-tailored program to reduce your chances of experiencing a “cardiovascular event” (a heart attack or stroke).
The IMT scan is painless, non-invasive, quick, and easy!
The IMT scan is an ultrasound procedure performed in Dr. Bereliani’s office. A technician simply places a handheld ultrasound transducer on the side of your neck (where your carotid artery is located). Then, the ultrasound waves form a picture of the inside of the carotid artery wall, and a sophisticated software program calculates the IMT. That’s all there is to it!
But I thought carotid ultrasound was nothing new. What’s the big deal about this?
IMT testing is not standard carotid ultrasound. Standard carotid ultrasound only enables a doctor to see significant amounts of plaque; by the time most patients have a carotid ultrasound, they already have some serious problems. By contrast, IMT testing is much more sensitive, and by calculating the specific parameter of intima media thickness (IMT), which is done by software analysis, we can identify changes in your artery walls at a much earlier stage than would be possible with standard carotid ultrasound.
So be proactive. Identify cardiovascular risk early! Get the carotid IMT test today.
How do I get the IMT test?
Call the Center for Preventive Medicine and Cardiology at 310-550-8000 or click here to make an appointment. We are conveniently located in the heart of Beverly Hills, within easy driving distance for most residents of greater Los Angeles.