Quail Ridge Family Practice

Dr. Ryan is one of the only physicians in the Tri-Cities to have ultrasound equipment capable of detecting plaque in the carotid arteries. When plaque builds up in the carotid artery, heart attacks become more likely. By using this ultrasound equipment, we are able to determine carotid intima media thickness (called an CIMT scan) and determine if current treatment is working or if further action is necessary.

Our CIMT (carotid intima media thickness) ultrasound test measures a patient's plaque in their carotid arteries and also compares the patient's arterial health with ideal arteries and calculates an age for their arteries. For example, a 55 year old male patient with diabetes may have arteries which are comparable to those of a healthy 70 year old male. A CIMT scan (also called an IMT) is a valuable diagnostic tool because arterial plaque can cause heart attacks and strokes. This diagnostic procedure is non-invasive and can also determine if a patient's current treatment of cardiovascular issues is effective.

• Diabetes
• Dysmetabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes)
• Hypertension (chronic high blood pressure)
• High bad cholesterol and/or triglycerides
• Low good cholesterol
• Known carotid plaque
• Obesity
• Smokers or former smokers