Plaque & narrowing
Look for plaque build-up and measure how much it narrows the artery.
STROKE RISK, SEEN EARLY
Carotid Doppler
& CIMT.
Clarity before symptoms.
A painless scan of the arteries in your neck, combined with a CIMT measurement that can pick up early arterial change long before it causes symptoms.
Central London Banstead, Surrey
A painless look at your arteries.YOUR ARTERY SCAN20–30 min
£290Published scan price
Choose your clinic and view appointment options in our online booking system.
Explore your appointmentPATIENT EXPERIENCES
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who have visited us.
4.9 / 5
668 Google reviews Read reviews ↗Rating snapshot · 19 September 202601 / UNDERSTANDING YOUR SCANTwo arteries.
Two arteries.
A great deal of information.
The carotid arteries carry blood to your brain. Ultrasound shows both the structure of the artery wall and the blood moving through it, so narrowing and early change can be picked up before they cause symptoms.
CIMT measurement
Measure the thickness of the inner layers of the artery wall — an early marker of arterial change.
Blood flow
Use Doppler to check the speed and direction of flow towards the brain.
Vertebral arteries
Assess the vertebral arteries in the neck alongside the carotids.
Sudden symptoms need emergency care, not a scan appointment. Face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech — even if it passes — means calling 999 straight away. This scan is for planned assessment and risk screening.
IN DETAIL
Carotid Artery and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) Scan
A carotid artery ultrasound is a quick, safe, and painless scan that checks the carotid arteries, the main arteries in your neck that carry blood to your brain, face, and head. The scan uses sound waves to produce clear images of the arteries, helping detect any narrowing, blockages, or plaque build-up. Finding these early is important because they can increase your risk of stroke or other circulation problems.
The Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) Scan is a specialised ultrasound technique that measures the thickness of the intima (inner layer) and media (middle layer) of the carotid artery walls. The CIMT measurement provides an early indication of atherosclerosis, even before significant plaque buildup occurs. Increased CIMT is a marker of cardiovascular risk and can help assess the likelihood of future heart disease or stroke.
Together, these scans offer a comprehensive assessment of carotid artery health and are essential tools for early detection of vascular issues, helping guide preventive or therapeutic interventions.
Hear the summary of the text below from the following voice:
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO SUMMARY
Who Should Consider a Carotid Artery Ultrasound and CIMT?
- Individuals with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of cardiovascular disease should consider these tests.
- Smokers and Former Smokers: Carotid ultrasound and CIMT can detect early arterial damage caused by smoking.
- Individuals with a History of Stroke or TIA: These tests provide insights into the condition of the carotid arteries.
- People with Symptoms of Vascular Issues: Such as dizziness, transient vision loss, or unexplained weakness on one side of the body.
- Those Seeking Preventive Health Screening: Especially individuals over 40 or with multiple risk factors.
Benefits of Carotid Artery Ultrasound and CIMT Scan
- Non-invasive and Safe: These tests involve no radiation.
- Accurate and Detailed Imaging: Comprehensive assessments of carotid artery health.
- Quick Diagnosis: Enables prompt identification of vascular issues.
If you are concerned about your vascular health or have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, a Carotid Artery Ultrasound Scan and CIMT measurement are essential steps for early detection and management. Book your scan today with our experienced team to ensure your health and peace of mind.
02 / YOUR VISIT, SIMPLIFIEDKnow what to expect.
Know what to expect.
Feel more prepared.
From getting ready to discussing what comes next, here is a simple guide to your appointment.
A question before you book? Call usTell us about your risk factors
Blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history and any family history of stroke or heart disease all help direct the scan.
Understand the scan
You lie back with your head turned to one side. Gel is applied and the probe is moved along each side of the neck. It is painless and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Talk about the next steps
Ask what the CIMT value means for your age, whether anything needs repeating, and what to take to your GP.
03 / FIND YOUR PHOENIXTwo locations.
Two locations.
One thoughtful choice.
Choose the location that works for you. Confirm your selected clinic in the booking system before completing your appointment.
CITY / LONDON
Central London
Medical Room, 1–5 Portpool LaneLondon, EC1N 7UU
SURREY / BANSTEAD
Banstead
63 Nork WayBanstead, SM7 1HL
04 / A FEW THINGS YOU MAY BE WONDERINGYour questions.
Your questions.
Clear answers.
Need something more personal?
Speak to the team before booking.
What is CIMT, and why is it measured?
CIMT stands for carotid intima-media thickness: the combined thickness of the two inner layers of the artery wall. It can increase before any plaque is visible, so it is used as an early marker of arterial change and is compared against what is expected for your age.
Who should consider this scan?
People with raised blood pressure or cholesterol, diabetes, a family history of stroke or heart disease, current or former smokers, and anyone who has had a TIA or wants a preventive check — particularly over the age of 40.
Does it hurt, and is there any radiation?
Neither. It is an ultrasound: no radiation, no injection, no needles. You will feel the gel and light pressure from the probe on your neck.
Will the scan tell me whether I will have a stroke?
No. It measures risk markers — narrowing, plaque and wall thickness — which your clinician reads alongside your blood pressure, cholesterol and history. It cannot predict an individual event, and a normal scan does not remove the need to manage your risk factors.
When will I get my results?
A detailed report is normally ready within 24 hours and sent to you. You can share it with your GP or a specialist.
Can I combine it with other scans?
Yes. The booking system offers the carotid and CIMT scan together with an echocardiogram, or as part of a full-body and full-body plus package, in one visit.
What is the purpose of a Carotid Artery and CIMT Scan?
A carotid artery ultrasound is a non-invasive scan that uses sound waves to assess the carotid arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the brain. It checks for narrowing (stenosis) or plaque build-up, which can increase the risk of stroke.
What is CIMT (Carotid Intima-Media Thickness)?
The CIMT scan measures the thickness of the inner layers of the carotid artery wall. An increased thickness may indicate early atherosclerosis and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease before symptoms appear.
Why would I need a carotid or CIMT scan?
You may benefit from this scan if you have:
-
- ✔ High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- ✔ Diabetes
- ✔ A family history of heart disease or stroke
- ✔ Experienced transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or “mini-strokes”)
- ✔ Smoking history
- ✔ Concerns about cardiovascular health or plaque build-up
What’s the difference between a carotid Doppler and CIMT scan?
-
- ✔ Carotid Doppler evaluates blood flow and detects narrowing or blockages.
- ✔ CIMT measures the thickness of the artery walls to assess early arterial aging.
Both can be done during the same appointment and offer preventative insight into cardiovascular risk.
When will I get the results?
You will receive a detailed images and report on the same day, along with your CIMT score and interpretation, which you can share with your GP or cardiologist.
Do I need a referral for this scan?
No. This is a private scan, and no GP referral is needed. You can self-refer and book directly with us.
Can this scan help prevent stroke or heart attack?
Yes. The carotid and CIMT scan can detect early signs of atherosclerosis, allowing you to take preventive action through lifestyle changes, medication, or further medical care — potentially reducing your risk of stroke or heart disease.
WHEN YOU’RE READYYour appointment.
Your appointment.
Right here.
Book your carotid and CIMT scan below. Follow the booking form’s Next buttons to continue, one step at a time.
CAROTID DOPPLER · CIMTNeed a hand? 020 3318 1373
- 01Your appointmentReview scan options, location and available times.
- 02Your detailsComplete the information requested in the form.
- 03Review & completeCheck the price and follow the final booking steps.
PHOENIX ULTRASOUND
Online bookingBook your carotid and CIMT scan
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Call the teamBEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Preparation, made clear.
- No preparation is needed — eat and drink as normal.
- Take your usual medication as normal, including blood pressure and cholesterol tablets.
- Avoid high collars and necklaces, as the probe needs access to both sides of your neck.
- Bring your recent numbers — blood pressure and cholesterol results help put the CIMT measurement in context.
Booking this with an echocardiogram or a full-body package? Each scan keeps its own preparation. If anything is unclear, call us on 020 3318 1373 before your visit.
If you feel unwell, seek medical advice. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. For urgent concerns, contact your GP or NHS 111; in an emergency call 999.
Further reading: NHS guidance on stroke · NHS guidance on TIA (mini-stroke)
