What to Expect During a CIMT Test: A Simple, Painless Way to Assess Your Heart Health
If you’ve been told to get a CIMT test—or you’re simply curious about this innovative screening tool—you may be wondering: What exactly happens during the test? Will it hurt? Do I have to change clothes or prepare in any special way?
Great news: A CardioRisk Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) test is non-invasive, painless, quick, and doesn’t require you to change into a gown or undress. Below, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect.
What Is a CIMT Test?
This test uses ultrasound technology to measure the thickness of the inner layers of your carotid arteries—the major arteries in your neck that supply blood to your brain. By measuring this thickness, doctors can detect early signs of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup), even before symptoms appear or blockages form.
It’s a powerful tool to assess your risk of heart attack or stroke—years before problems develop.
Step-by-Step: The CIMT Test Procedure
Here’s how the test is performed, step-by-step:
- Arrival and Check-In
You’ll check in like any routine medical visit. No fasting or medication changes are required, and no needles, radiation, or blood draws are involved.
- Positioning
You’ll be asked to lie comfortably on an exam table. The technician will position a small towel or pad under your neck to gently tilt your head backward for easier access to your carotid arteries.
No need to undress—you’ll just slightly lower the collar of your shirt or blouse. Most people remain fully clothed.
- Application of Ultrasound Gel
A clear, water-based gel is applied to the sides of your neck. This helps the ultrasound probe glide smoothly and improves sound wave conduction.
- Ultrasound Imaging
A handheld ultrasound wand (called a transducer) is gently pressed against your neck. This sends soundwaves to your arteries and bounces them off the tissue and back to the transducer provide clear images of arteries. The technician will move this transducer slowly along each side of your neck while capturing images and measurements of the artery walls.
This part takes about 10–15 minutes, and you won’t feel any pain—just light pressure and possibly a cool sensation from the gel.
- Review and Results
Once the images are captured, they are sent to CardioRisk Laboratories where they are measured and reviewed by a trained specialist. The test measures the intima-media thickness (the two innermost layers of the artery) and detects the presence of any plaque—a critical early indicator of cardiovascular disease.
You’ll receive a detailed report, often with visual images and graphs showing your artery thickness compared to age-based norms.
Why CIMT Is So Easy (and Powerful)
- ✅ Non-invasive – No injections, incisions, disrobing, or radiation
- ✅ Quick – Usually completed in under 15 minutes
- ✅ Comfortable – You stay clothed and relaxed
- ✅ Early Detection – Helps identify risk years before a heart attack or stroke
- ✅ Clinically Proven – Backed by years of cardiovascular research
Who Should Consider a CIMT Test?
A CIMT screening is especially valuable for people who:
- Have a family history of heart disease or stroke
- Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes
- Are over age 30, but especially those >45 and want a proactive heart health check
- Have normal stress test results but still worry about risk
- Want to track the effects of lifestyle or treatment changes over time
Final Thoughts
Getting a CIMT test is one of the easiest ways to get a snapshot of your cardiovascular health—and take control of your future. It’s a quick, painless, non-invasive test that can detect problems before they start, in time to treat them medically instead of surgically, without requiring any downtime or discomfort.
If you’re ready to get serious about prevention, CIMT is a smart step.