HeartSmart IMTplus® Testing

Personal Primary Care uses the HeartSmart IMTplus® Ultrasound to measure the intima media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery, or the inner linings of the vascular wall in the heart. This is one way to detect the thickness of plaque buildup on the intima-media surface of the carotid artery. The ultrasound and testing can detect soft plaques, which are a common cause of heart attacks and strokes.

Strengths of HeartSmart IMTplus®:

• Examines the state of the cardiovascular disease itself and looks at risk factors for the disease
• Provides early detection and predictive assessment of the risk of a heart attack or stroke
• Noninvasive and highly accurate

The test itself is noninvasive, painless, quick, and highly accurate and is captured using a portable ultrasound unit. This process provides doctors with data to know with 95% accuracy if there is plaque buildup in a patient's heart. There are two types of plaque, hard and soft, and soft plaque is considered more dangerous because it can rupture leading to a heart attack or stroke.

To learn more about the HeartSmart IMTplus® Ultrasound, click here.

Personal Primary Care wants to help you take preventative measures there are so that you don't suffer from the risk of chronic diseases, a heart attack, or a stroke.

Personal Primary Care works with individuals in Western MA, including West Springfield, Holyoke, and Longmeadow, and Northern CT looking to change their lifestyle or lose weight in a healthy and effective way.

Learn more about our lifestyle management program here!