What does "Carotid bruit" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.
A carotid bruit is a sound that a doctor hears when they use a stethoscope to listen to the blood flow in the carotid arteries, which are the main arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain. This sound is not usually present and can indicate that the artery is narrowed or blocked, often due to a buildup of plaque, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This can potentially lead to a stroke. The sound is similar to a whooshing or blowing noise.
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