DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2026.v12i04.006

Pages: 266-271

Background: Carotid artery stenosis is an atherosclerotic narrowing of the proximal internal carotid artery that significantly increases the risk of stroke, particularly in elderly individuals and those with associated vascular risk factors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of carotid artery stenosis and associated risk factors in high-risk elderly patients using carotid Doppler. Methods: This cross-sectional study at the Inpatient and Outpatient Departments of Medicine, Department of Vascular Surgery, and Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, included 100 elderly patients (>55 years) with ≥1 risk factor for carotid disease. Patients were evaluated clinically and via investigations, and data were analyzed in SPSS (p < 0.05) with ethical approval and informed consent. Results: In 100 high-risk elderly patients (mean age 65.6 ± 8.1 years; 64% male), sedentary lifestyle (89%), occasional exercise (96%), balanced diet (85%), and smoking (63%) were common. Hypertension (64%), dyslipidemia (58%), IHD (42%), TIA (39%), and diabetes/IFG/IGT (37%) were prevalent. Carotid stenosis occurred in 73% (60% mild, 7% moderate, 6% severe) and was significantly associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, IHD, and TIA (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Colour Doppler sonography is a rapid, non-invasive, and effective tool for detecting carotid stenosis, particularly in high-risk patients, though its accuracy is operator-dependent and general population screening may not be cost-effective.