A carotid intima-media thickness test (CIMT) is used to determine the extent of plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries supplying blood to the head. If a CIMT shows increased thickness in the inner layers of the carotid artery, you may be at risk for cardiovascular disease. CIMT uses ultrasound imaging to measure the thickness of the two inner layers of the carotid artery—called the intima and media.
