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Carotid artery scan

A carotid scan shows what your arteries are doing now

Blood tests estimate your future risk. A carotid artery scan shows whether changes are already developing. It's a painless ultrasound of the arteries in your neck that supply your brain, measuring the artery wall and checking for plaque, often years before any symptoms.

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Free, no obligation. First consultation £354, including a health coaching session. See fees

20+ years in clinical practiceIFM Certified PractitionerBritish Acupuncture Council member

Ultrasound image of a carotid artery with the intima-media thickness measurement marked

The short answer

What is a carotid artery scan?

A carotid artery scan is a painless ultrasound of the arteries in your neck that supply your brain. It measures the thickness of the artery wall and checks for soft or calcified plaque, showing early atherosclerosis years before symptoms. Charmaine Shepherd's Edinburgh clinic offers the scan for £456, with no referral needed.

WhoCharmaine Shepherd, IFM Certified functional medicine practitioner, 20+ years in clinical practice
Where4 Albyn Place, Edinburgh EH2 4NG, or online by video
CostFree 20-minute discovery call. Initial consultation £354, return visits £264
ReferralNot needed. You can book directly
Scan£456. The scan takes 20 to 30 minutes; allow about 1 hour

Is this you?

Should you consider a carotid scan?

A family history of heart disease or stroke
High blood pressure or high cholesterol
Diabetes, pre-diabetes, insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome
An autoimmune or long-term inflammatory condition
Hormonal changes, especially around menopause
A previous TIA (mini-stroke), once you have been assessed by your GP or hospital
Being told your cholesterol is "fine" but wanting more certainty
Wanting to check that your prevention plan is working

If any symptoms are sudden or severe, contact your GP, call NHS 24 on 111, or call 999 in an emergency.

Why look at the arteries directly?

A carotid artery scan measures the two inner layers of the carotid artery walls in your neck. Thickening of these layers is an early sign of atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque that leads to heart attacks and strokes.

Many people with normal cholesterol already have plaque, while others with raised cholesterol have healthy arteries. Looking directly at the artery wall gives a far more personal picture than blood tests alone.

Finding plaque isn't a cause for panic. It's an opportunity to act early, and repeat scans can show whether the changes you make are working.

What the scan looks for

What can a carotid scan show?

The scan gives a picture of your artery health that blood tests can't. It can show:

Artery wall thickening

The earliest measurable sign that the artery walls are changing.

Soft plaque

Newer, softer deposits on the artery wall, which can be less stable than older plaque.

Calcified plaque

Hardened deposits that show changes have been developing for some time.

Early atherosclerosis

Hardening and narrowing of the arteries, before it causes symptoms.

Signs of increased risk

A clearer view of your heart and stroke risk than cholesterol and blood pressure alone.

Progress over time

Repeat scans show whether your prevention plan is making a difference.

Your appointment

What happens during a carotid scan?

What to expect at the Edinburgh clinic:

Preparationnone needed. No fasting, no needles and no radiation
The scana painless ultrasound of the carotid arteries in your neck, taking 20 to 30 minutes
Appointmentabout 1 hour in total, in person at 4 Albyn Place
Resultsexplained to you, and shared with your GP if you'd like
Cost£456. No referral needed
Next stepswhere useful, Cardioscopy blood testing, homocysteine, inflammation and blood sugar markers, and a personalised prevention plan

Tests are priced separately and always agreed with you first. Bring any recent NHS or private results to your consultation. See all laboratory tests

How it works

How does working with Charmaine work?

Free discovery call

Free · up to 20 minutes

Tell me what’s going on and find out whether my approach is right for you.

Initial consultation

£354 · includes health coaching

A detailed look at your history, symptoms and lifestyle, with tests recommended only where they will help.

Your plan & follow-up

Return visits £264

A written plan covering nutrition, lifestyle and targeted supplements, reviewed as your results and symptoms change.

In person at 4 Albyn Place, Edinburgh, or online by video. See all fees

Questions

Questions about carotid artery scans

Can’t see your question? Book a free call or ring the clinic on 0131 235 1232.

What does a carotid artery scan measure?

It measures carotid intima-media thickness, the thickness of the two inner layers of the artery wall in your neck, and checks for plaque.

Is the scan safe?

Yes. It's a non-invasive ultrasound with no radiation and no needles, and it doesn't need any special preparation.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book the scan directly. Results are explained to you, and I'm happy to share them with your GP.

What happens if plaque is found?

Finding plaque isn't a cause for panic. Depending on your results, I may suggest further tests or a personalised plan covering nutrition, exercise, blood sugar, blood pressure and inflammation. Decisions about medication stay with your GP or cardiologist.

How often should I have a scan?

It depends on your results and your risk. Repeat scans can show whether your prevention plan is working, and we'll agree the timing together.

I have stroke symptoms. Should I book?

No. Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech or sudden loss of vision need emergency care. Call 999 straight away. This scan is for prevention, not emergencies.