Background: Carotid artery stenosis is a major cause of ischemic stroke, especially in high-risk patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. Early detection and grading of stenosis are essential for timely intervention. Doppler ultrasonography provides a non-invasive method to assess carotid artery disease. Aim: To assess the prevalence and degree of carotid artery stenosis using Doppler ultrasonography in high-risk patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 120 patients with cardiovascular risk factors attending a tertiary care hospital. Doppler ultrasonography was performed to evaluate carotid arteries, measuring peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and ICA/CCA PSV ratios. Stenosis was graded using standardized velocity criteria. Clinical data on hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and dyslipidemia were collected. Statistical analysis included Chi-square and ANOVA tests. Results: The mean age of patients was 62.4 ± 11.7 years; 56.7% were male. Hypertension (67.5%), diabetes mellitus (40%), and smoking (25%) were common. Doppler detected no stenosis (<50%) in 60%, mild to moderate stenosis (50-69%) in 23.3%, and severe stenosis (≥70%) in 16.7% (p<0.001). PSV, EDV, and ICA/CCA ratios increased significantly with stenosis severity (p<0.001). Hypertension, diabetes, and smoking were significantly associated with stenosis ≥50% (p=0.008, 0.009, and 0.02, respectively). Conclusion: Doppler ultrasonography effectively detects and grades carotid artery stenosis in high-risk patients. Hypertension, diabetes, and smoking are key risk factors associated with stenosis. Early screening and risk factor management are vital to reduce stroke risk.

Carotid Artery Stenosis, Doppler Ultrasonography, Cardiovascular Risk Factors.