Private Carotid Doppler London: Stroke Risk Screening — Who Needs It, What It Costs, and Why It Could Save Your Life

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the UK and the single largest cause of severe disability. The Stroke Association reports approximately 100,000 strokes per year in the UK — roughly one every five minutes. Approximately 85% of strokes are ischaemic, caused by a blockage in an artery supplying the brain, and atherosclerotic disease of the carotid arteries is responsible for a significant proportion of these.

A carotid Doppler ultrasound is a simple, painless scan that takes 20–30 minutes and assesses the two carotid arteries in your neck — the main arteries carrying blood from your heart to your brain. It can detect plaque build-up, measure the degree of narrowing, assess blood flow velocity, and identify whether you are at increased risk of stroke — often before any symptoms appear.

At The Wellness London, every carotid Doppler is performed by a GMC-registered doctor who interprets findings in real time, explains what they see during the scan, and advises on risk reduction and next steps immediately.

Want to check your stroke risk? Message us on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.

What a Carotid Doppler Measures

Intima-media thickness (IMT). The thickness of the inner lining of the artery wall. Increased IMT is an early marker of atherosclerosis — even before significant plaque develops. It is used as a marker of cardiovascular risk.

Atherosclerotic plaque. The scan identifies plaque deposits within the carotid arteries and characterises them — soft (lipid-rich) plaque, fibrous plaque, calcified plaque, or mixed. Plaque characteristics influence stroke risk — soft, irregular plaque is generally considered higher risk than smooth, calcified plaque.

Stenosis grading. The degree of narrowing is measured using blood flow velocity (peak systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity) and correlated with the NASCET criteria, the international standard for grading carotid stenosis. Stenosis is classified as mild (less than 50%), moderate (50–69%), severe (70–99%), and occlusion (100% — complete blockage).

Blood flow velocity and waveform. Doppler measures how fast blood is flowing through the artery. Increased velocity at a point of narrowing indicates stenosis. Turbulent flow patterns suggest haemodynamically significant disease.

Vertebral arteries. The vertebral arteries, which supply the back of the brain, are also assessed for flow direction and velocity.

Who Should Get a Carotid Doppler?

High blood pressure. Hypertension is the single most important modifiable risk factor for stroke. If you have high blood pressure — even if controlled with medication — a carotid Doppler screens for the arterial consequences of years of elevated pressure.

High cholesterol. Dyslipidaemia accelerates atherosclerotic plaque formation. If you have elevated LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol, your carotid arteries may already be affected.

Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes significantly increases cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk. Carotid Doppler screening is particularly relevant for diabetic patients.

Smoking history. Current or former smokers have significantly elevated stroke risk. Smoking accelerates atherosclerosis throughout the arterial system, including the carotid arteries.

Family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease. First-degree relatives with stroke, heart attack, or peripheral arterial disease at a young age suggests inherited cardiovascular risk.

Previous TIA or stroke. Anyone who has experienced a transient ischaemic attack (mini-stroke) or previous stroke should have carotid imaging as standard practice.

Carotid bruit. If your doctor has heard an abnormal sound (bruit) when listening to your neck with a stethoscope, a carotid Doppler is the next investigation.

Peripheral arterial disease. If you have PAD (narrowed arteries in the legs), there is a high probability of atherosclerotic disease elsewhere in the body, including the carotid arteries.

Comprehensive cardiovascular screening. Many patients include a carotid Doppler as part of a thorough cardiovascular assessment — particularly men and women over 50 with multiple risk factors.

Worried about stroke risk? Book your carotid Doppler on WhatsApp.

Carotid Doppler at The Wellness London: Pricing

Cardiovascular packages including carotid Doppler:

All prices include the doctor-performed scan, verbal debrief, and same-day written report.

What to Expect During Your Scan

No preparation is needed. No fasting. Wear a top with an open neckline or that can be pulled down easily from the neck.

You will lie on your back on a comfortable bed. The doctor applies warm gel to the sides of your neck and moves the ultrasound probe along each carotid artery from the base of the neck to just below the jaw angle. Both sides are examined.

The scan takes approximately 20–30 minutes. You will hear a pulsing sound when the Doppler mode is activated — this is normal.

Your doctor explains findings during the scan and provides a verbal debrief immediately afterwards. A written report is issued the same day.

What Happens If Carotid Stenosis Is Found?

Mild stenosis (less than 50%). Medical management — blood pressure control, cholesterol-lowering medication (statins), antiplatelet therapy, lifestyle modifications. Surveillance scanning may be recommended at 12–24 month intervals.

Moderate stenosis (50–69%). Aggressive medical management and closer surveillance. Referral to a vascular specialist may be recommended depending on clinical context.

Severe stenosis (70–99%). Referral to a vascular specialist for consideration of carotid endarterectomy (surgical plaque removal) or carotid artery stenting. The benefit of intervention is well established for symptomatic severe stenosis. The ACST-2 trial (The Lancet, 2021) provided updated data on management of asymptomatic severe stenosis.

Occlusion (100%). Complete blockage. The brain is supplied by collateral circulation. Medical management and monitoring. Surgical intervention is not possible on a completely occluded artery.

Your doctor at The Wellness will explain any finding clearly, advise on urgency, and facilitate specialist referral the same day if needed.

The Heart Health Scan: Complete Cardiovascular Assessment

The Heart Health Scan (£495) is the most popular cardiovascular screening package at The Wellness, combining three complementary investigations:

1. Echocardiogram — heart structure, valve function, ejection fraction
2. Carotid Doppler — stroke risk, plaque, stenosis
3. AAA check — aortic aneurysm screening

Together, these three scans assess your heart, brain supply, and aorta in a single visit. Booking these individually would cost £665.

Want the full cardiovascular picture? Book the Heart Health Scan on WhatsApp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a carotid Doppler if I'm on blood thinners? Yes. The scan is completely external and non-invasive. Blood thinners do not affect the scan in any way.

How often should I repeat a carotid Doppler? This depends on your findings. If the scan is normal, a repeat every 2–5 years may be appropriate depending on your risk profile. If mild or moderate stenosis is found, your doctor will recommend an appropriate surveillance interval — typically 6–24 months.

Is a carotid Doppler the same as a carotid ultrasound? Yes. "Carotid Doppler" and "carotid ultrasound" refer to the same investigation. The Doppler component specifically measures blood flow velocity and direction.

Book Your Carotid Doppler

📱 Book via WhatsApp

📧 Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com

🌐 Book online: thewellnesslondon.com/ultrasound

This article was reviewed by the clinical team at The Wellness London. All scans are performed by GMC-registered doctors. Last updated March 2026.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing sudden weakness, speech difficulty, facial drooping, or visual changes, call 999 immediately — these may be signs of stroke.