CIMT screening, answered.

It measures the thickness of the inner two layers of your carotid artery walls and looks for visible plaque — recognized indicators of atherosclerosis. It helps you and your doctor understand your cardiovascular risk more directly than blood work alone.

No. CIMT uses standard ultrasound — the same technology used during pregnancy. A technician glides a small probe along your neck. No needles, no dye, no radiation.

The scan itself takes about 15 minutes, and most people are in and out within 30 minutes.

Hospital carotid duplex screenings typically look for significant blockage. A CIMT test measures wall thickness and looks for early plaque — changes that may appear before a blockage reaches that level.

No referral is needed to book a CIMT screening at one of our screening events. We recommend sharing your results with your physician, and our Clinician Review package includes a review with a qualified clinician.

A CIMT scan starts at $249 at screening events, including a free results review. A CIMT + Clinician Review option, with a personalized action plan and a review with a qualified clinician, is available for $497. Testing is self-pay; HSA/FSA funds may apply.

Screenings are typically self-pay and not billed to insurance, which is also why no referral is needed. Many patients use HSA or FSA funds — check with your plan administrator.

You can reschedule for free up to 24 hours before your appointment. If a screening date's slots fill up, we'll offer the next nearby screening date or a refund.

You'll receive your written report by email within two weeks of your scan date, sent to the email address used when you booked.

Your scan images are processed by CardioRisk's central laboratory to create the measurements in your results. You'll receive a clear, physician-ready report to review with your own doctor — and if you purchased a results review, a CardioRisk-approved provider explains your findings in a virtual session.

A CIMT result is information, not a diagnosis. If your test shows thickening or plaque, your report and our reviewers help you understand the finding so you can discuss next steps with your physician. Early awareness is the point.

We recommend every adult age 30 and older have a CIMT scan at least once — and earlier for those at higher risk, including people of Southeast Asian or African American descent or with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Atherosclerosis can begin surprisingly early: the Bogalusa Heart Study found early signs of arterial disease in children as young as 5. The earlier disease is found, the better the chance it can be managed with lifestyle and medication rather than surgery. If you're unsure whether CIMT is right for you, ask your physician.

CIMT uses the same safe ultrasound used during pregnancy, with no radiation. Let your technician know you're pregnant and check timing with your physician.

Many people use CIMT to track change over time. If you're already under cardiac care, share your goals with your physician — your report is written to be physician-ready.