Definition: Carotid artery intima media thickness, or CIMT, is a non-invasive test used to assess the thickness of plaque located in the carotid arteries, which are major vessels that supply the brain with blood. The imaging of the carotid artery is performed by an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and its thickness between the two inner layers of the carotid artery (the intima and media) are measured by using a computer.
The thicker the plaque is in the carotid artery (or any blood vessel), the thinner the space will be for blood to travel through the vessel. This places you at risk for heart disease and other complications. In fact, CIMT is an independent predictor of heart disease, including heart attacks and stroke.
Also Known As: CIMT
