Carotid Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Heart Failure
Carotid Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Heart Failure
Coronary artery disease (CAD, cholesterol plaque buildup in the heart arteries) is the most
 common cause of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (weakening of the heart muscle). The
 standard test to find coronary artery disease is coronary angiography. This test is highly
 accurate but is invasive and carries a small risk of complications. This study investigates
 ultrasound of the carotid (neck) arteries as a screening test for severe coronary artery
 disease as a cause of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. It is hypothesized that carotid
 ultrasound will have excellent negative predictive value for severe CAD.
Coronary artery disease (CAD, cholesterol plaque buildup in the heart arteries) is the most
 common cause of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (weakening of the heart muscle). The
 standard test to find coronary artery disease is coronary angiography. This test is highly
 accurate but is invasive and carries a small risk of complications. This study investigates
 ultrasound of the carotid (neck) arteries as a screening test for severe coronary artery
 disease as a cause of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. It is hypothesized that carotid
 ultrasound will have excellent negative predictive value for severe CAD.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  LVEF 40% or less

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Prior diagnosis of coronary or carotid obstructive atherosclerosis