Dr Ford Brewer - PrevMed How I Use Ultrasound to Find Clogged Arteries? - Ford Brewer MD MPH (PrevMed Health)
Aug 22, 2025
Discover how CIMT ultrasound technology is revolutionizing heart health assessments by accurately detecting arterial plaque without radiation. Learn about the significance of inflammation over just LDL cholesterol. The discussion includes insights into arterial health, the advantages of early screenings, and how lifestyle changes can be more effective than traditional treatments. Engage in a playful quiz about blood flow and hear about the evolving dynamics of patients as health consumers, encouraging proactive management of cardiovascular health.
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CIMT Sees Plaque Before Flow Problems
- CIMT (carotid intima-media thickness) detects plaque before blood-flow disruption and predicts most heart attacks.
- Two-thirds of heart attacks occur before flow is disrupted, so imaging the arterial wall matters.
Where Plaque Actually Forms
- Plaque forms between the intima and media after glycocalyx injury rather than simply 'cholesterol clogging.'
- Burning the glycocalyx lets LDL pass through and deposit between layers.
Test Carotids, Not Just Flow
- Test the carotid intima-media (CIMT) to find early plaque and its character rather than relying only on flow studies.
- Use CIMT analytics to measure plaque type and guide risk decisions.
