For the most part this test is performed in patients who are suspected of having blockages of the carotid artery. Patients with symptoms suggestive of either a stroke, or TIA (mini-stroke), or a carotid bruit (caused by turbulence of blood flow in the carotid artery due to a blockage) We also believe that measurement of plaque burden using plaque score or total plaque area is a useful screening test for vascular disease in patients with Intermediate Framingham Risk Scores (10 year risk of heart attack, stroke or sudden death, 10-19%). Patients with an abnormal carotid study can be targetted for other vascular preventative therapies such as Aspirin, Statins (cholesterol lowering agents) and even ACE inhibitor therapy. There are no specific pre-test recommendations. The procedure is performed using ultrasound. There are no recognized specific complications. The test is preformed for the following indications.