Neck Ultrasound Could Reveal Hidden Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke, Study Shows

A study from University College London has found that a simple neck ultrasound scan could help identify men at higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. The research, published in December 2025, examined carotid artery plaque buildup using high-resolution imaging. Results showed that men with significant plaque detected via neck scan had a 2.5 times higher risk of cardiovascular events within five years compared to those without detectable plaque. Currently, neck scans are typically reserved for patients who've already had a stroke. The study involved over 3,000 men aged 50-75 from across England, with scans performed at UCL's Institute of Cardiovascular Science. Researchers suggest the non-invasive test could become a routine screening tool for men over 50, potentially preventing thousands of heart attacks and strokes annually in the UK alone.