A carotid bruit is an unusual whooshing or turbulent sound detected over the carotid arteries, major blood vessels in the neck. Healthcare professionals listen for this sound with a stethoscope during a physical examination. Its presence can suggest changes in blood flow within these arteries.
What is a Carotid Bruit
A carotid bruit is an abnormal vascular sound heard with a stethoscope over the carotid artery in the neck. This sound indicates turbulent, or non-smooth, blood flow through the artery. Normally, blood flows quietly and smoothly through arteries, but when something disrupts this flow, it can create vibrations that produce a distinct sound, similar to water rushing in a fast-moving river.
The “whooshing” sound of a bruit results from blood encountering a narrower or irregular path within the artery, causing it to swirl and create turbulence. This turbulence generates audible vibrations that can be detected externally.
Where to Locate the Carotid Arteries for Listening
The carotid arteries are situated on both sides of the neck, running from the chest up to the brain. The common carotid artery typically branches into two main vessels, the internal and external carotid arteries, around the level of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, often referred to as Adam’s apple.
To listen for a bruit, a healthcare provider positions the stethoscope below the jawline, along the anterior (front) border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and sometimes near the collarbone. This allows listening along the common carotid artery and its bifurcation, where narrowing due to plaque buildup is most frequently observed. Patients may be asked to hold their breath briefly to minimize other sounds that could interfere with hearing the bruit. The examination involves gently pressing the stethoscope against the skin at various points for comprehensive listening across the carotid pathway.
What a Carotid Bruit Might Signify
The detection of a carotid bruit during a physical examination suggests turbulent blood flow within the carotid artery. While some carotid bruits, particularly in younger or asymptomatic individuals, may be benign or “innocent,” a bruit can also indicate underlying conditions. It frequently prompts further evaluation to determine its cause.
One common underlying condition a bruit might signify is carotid artery stenosis, which is a narrowing of the artery, often due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). Such narrowing can restrict blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of transient ischemic attacks or ischemic strokes. However, a bruit does not definitively diagnose the degree of narrowing, as some patients with significant stenosis may not have a bruit, and some with a bruit may have minimal or no stenosis. Therefore, hearing a carotid bruit necessitates a professional medical evaluation to assess its significance and determine if further diagnostic tests, such as an ultrasound, are required. This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis.