Medically reviewed by Dr Pinakin V Parekh, General & Interventional Cardiologist (MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), GDFM (Singapore), FAMS (Singapore), FRCP (Glasgow)). Last Updated: 2026, 28 August
Founder & Medical Director of Trident Heart Centre
Dr Pinakin V Parekh is an interventional cardiologist in Singapore with over 20 years of experience in heart care. He specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of heaart diseases, including procedures such as angiogram and angioplasty.
A CIMT (Carotid Intima-Media Thickness) test is a simple, non-invasive ultrasound scan that measures the thickness of the inner layers of your carotid arteries. It helps your doctor understand early signs of plaque buildup and cardiovascular risk, often before symptoms appear.
You may be advised to have a CIMT test if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as:
This test helps identify cardiovascular risk early so steps can be taken to prevent heart attacks or strokes.
A CIMT scan provides insight into your heart and vascular health, including:
A CIMT test is a painless, non-invasive ultrasound scan that takes only a few minutes to complete.
Before your scan, your doctor may advise:
During the scan:
Your CIMT results help show the current health of your arteries and guide the next steps for your heart care:
Your doctor will explain your results in detail and recommend the next steps for management or further testing if needed.
If your CIMT shows increased thickness, your doctor will guide you on steps to protect your heart and reduce future risk:
A CIMT test checks the thickness of the arteries in your neck to see if plaque is starting to build up, which can signal early heart disease. A calcium score test looks for calcium build-up in your heart arteries. Both are non-invasive, but CIMT focuses on early changes in artery walls, while calcium score shows hardened deposits.
The CIMT test is quick, usually taking about 10–15 minutes, and is painless.
No special preparation is generally needed, though your doctor may advise avoiding caffeine or certain medications temporarily.
Dr Pinakin can usually review the results within 24 hours and explain what they mean for your heart health.
Yes, Medisave can usually be used for the CIMT test, subject to your annual withdrawal limits. Insurance coverage may vary. Sometimes a referral is needed to claim, and regular screening tests may not be reimbursed. Please reach out to our clinic for guidance on your specific situation.
Dr Pinakin uses current, evidence-based methods to carefully evaluate and treat heart conditions, helping you feel confident in your care.
Every patient is treated as an individual, with attention to your full health and lifestyle, not just the heart problem.
From assessment to treatment, screenings and procedures are conveniently coordinated in one place for a smoother, more reassuring experience.
