The Cipa-Scan

What does CIPA mean?
CIPA is an abbreviation of the three tests performed;
CI - carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT),
P - plaque detection and
A - ankle brachial index.

What is the CIMT test?
The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) which is part of the CIPA-SCAN™
uses ultrasound technology to measure the thickness of the first two layers of
the carotid artery located in the neck, where blood-flow-blocking plaque first
develops. Thickness of the artery wall is an early indicator of vascular disease.
The thicker the arterial wall, the greater the risk for heart attack or stroke.

Why look at the neck when you are interested in the heart?
The arteries in the neck (carotid arteries) and the arteries of the heart (coronary
arteries) have similar risk factors. But more importantly, the relationship
between the wall thickness in a neck artery and a heart artery is the same as
between any two heart arteries. Thus, the neck arteries provide a “window” to
the heart arteries. Arterial wall thickness is one of the earliest indicators of
cardiovascular disease.

What is plaque detection.
With ultrasound we carefully scan the carotid arteries in the neck to detect if
there is plaque build-up. Plaque is fatty deposits and other cells inside the
walls of your arteries. Its name comes from the Greek words athero (meaning
gruel or paste) and sclerosis (hardness). If plaque is found it will be analyzed
and incorporated in the report as an important component of the final result.

What is the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
The ankle-brachial-index (A.B.I.) looks for peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) in
the legs. More than 12 million Americans have P.A.D.. It develops when
arteries in your legs become clogged with plaque — that limit blood flow to
your legs. P.A.D. is often described as poor circulation in the legs, but is a
serious condition that more than doubles your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Many people have no symptoms at all but an ankle-brachial index (A.B.I.) will
help in the diagnosis.