Heart Health Risk Assessment Gets Easier - New Standards for Carotid Ultrasounds

RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society of
Echocardiography (ASE) today issued a new consensus statement for
interpreting and responding to results of a carotid ultrasound study for
cardiovascular disease risk assessment. The statement provides specific
guidance for detecting early atherosclerotic plaques and increased
thickness of the carotid -- also known as carotid intima-media
thickness (CIMT). By following the consensus statement, doctors will be
more confident recommending aggressive preventive therapies if ultrasound
reveals the walls of the carotid arteries are thicker than established cut
points for patients of similar age, sex and race. Identifying patients who
have hidden risks for heart disease without invasive procedures should help
improve patient care and treatment success rates.

source - PR Newswire