Effects of an office-based carotid ultrasound screening intervention.

Background: Carotid ultrasound screening (CUS) has been recommended for cardiovascular disease risk prediction, but its effectiveness in clinical practice is unknown. The purpose of this study was to prospectively determine the effects of office-based CUS on physician decision making and patient health-related behaviors.

Methods: Physicians from five nonacademic, community practices recruited patients aged ≥40 years with ≥1 cardiovascular disease risk factor.