Ultrasound Detection of Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Carotid Plaque in an Office Practice Setting: Does It Affect Physician Behavior or Patient Motivation?

Findings from office-based carotid ultrasound studies can influence physicians' prescriptions of evidence-based interventions. Patients with abnormal ultrasound findings recognize their increased cardiovascular risk and plan to take cholesterol-lowering medication.