Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) Test

A normal CIMT score means the artery wall thickness falls within the expected range for someone of the same age and sex. Values above this range suggest early arterial thickening, and the presence of plaque indicates more advanced atherosclerosis. It is best to discuss with your doctor or cardiologist, who will interpret the results in relation to your overall health profile and risk factors.

A CIMT test can be worthwhile for people with cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a history of smoking, as it helps detect early arterial changes before symptoms appear. It may also be repeated to monitor whether treatment or lifestyle changes are slowing the progression of atherosclerosis. It is advisable to consult a doctor or cardiologist to decide whether CIMT or another cardiovascular assessment is more appropriate for your situation.

CIMT testing does not follow a fixed schedule and is usually repeated if there are ongoing risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a history of smoking, or when monitoring the effectiveness of treatment or lifestyle changes in slowing atherosclerosis. The recommended frequency varies between individuals, so you should consult your doctor or cardiologist for guidance based on your cardiovascular risk profile and overall health.

A CIMT test screens for early thickening of the carotid artery walls and the presence of plaque, which are early signs of atherosclerosis and linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. It does not directly diagnose heart attacks or strokes but provides an assessment of arterial health that can guide further evaluation or preventive strategies.

Yes, CIMT can detect early signs of atherosclerosis by measuring subtle thickening in the carotid artery walls before symptoms develop. This makes it useful for identifying individuals at increased risk of cardiovascular events. However, CIMT is one part of a broader cardiovascular assessment and should be interpreted together with other risk factors and investigations.

A CIMT scan at healthscreening.sg is priced at $163.50 NETT, inclusive of GST, with consultation fees starting from $49.05. CIMT is generally not covered by MediSave or insurance schemes. The test typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes at our clinic during off-peak hours, and your results will be reviewed and explained by our doctor.

A CIMT test is non-invasive and generally painless because it uses ultrasound technology. The scan involves applying gel to the neck and moving a probe over the carotid arteries to capture images, which most people find comfortable apart from the cool sensation of the gel. Occasionally, light pressure from the probe may cause temporary minor discomfort, but this usually resolves immediately after the scan.

The most appropriate test to detect blocked arteries depends on the location and severity of suspected disease. A carotid ultrasound is commonly used to check for narrowing or blockages in the neck arteries, while CT coronary angiography and invasive angiograms are used to examine the heart’s arteries. CIMT does not diagnose blockages directly but is useful for identifying early arterial changes. It is advisable to consult a doctor or cardiologist to determine the right test for your needs.

A blocked artery in the neck may not cause noticeable symptoms until blood flow is significantly reduced. When symptoms occur, they can include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, vision changes, slurred speech, dizziness, or even transient ischaemic attacks (mini-strokes). If you experience these symptoms, it is advisable to seek urgent medical attention, as they may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Yes, there are several alternative tests to CIMT that assess cardiovascular health. These include carotid ultrasound to evaluate blood flow and blockages, CT calcium scoring to measure calcified plaque in the heart arteries, and CT coronary angiography for detailed imaging of coronary artery narrowing. Each test provides different information, and CIMT is mainly used to detect early arterial thickening. It is advisable to consult a doctor or cardiologist to determine which tests are most appropriate for your risk profile and clinical needs.

A CIMT score may improve or stabilise by managing cardiovascular risk factors through lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, medical treatment. Key measures include controlling blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, managing diabetes, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying physically active. Improvements reflect healthier artery walls over time, though results vary. It is best to consult your doctor or cardiologist for personalised guidance on maintaining cardiovascular health.

A CIMT test is generally considered reliable for measuring the thickness of the carotid artery walls and detecting plaque when performed correctly. It provides useful information about early arterial changes but does not predict heart attacks or strokes with complete certainty. For this reason, CIMT is usually interpreted together with other risk factors and cardiovascular assessments.

Atherosclerosis cannot usually be completely reversed, but its progression can often be slowed or stabilised with lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Steps such as lowering cholesterol, controlling blood pressure, improving diet, exercising, and quitting smoking may reduce the risk of further arterial thickening or plaque buildup, and partial regression of plaque is possible in some cases. It is best to consult your doctor or cardiologist for personalised guidance on treatment and management.

Yes, lifestyle changes can help stabilise or improve CIMT scores by slowing the progression of arterial thickening. Helpful measures include following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, managing diabetes, and avoiding smoking. These changes support healthier arteries over time. Always follow the advice of your doctor or cardiologist regarding the management and treatment of your condition.