Which term refers to a sound in the neck arteries due to turbulent flow caused by plaque or damage to vessels?

• A. Carotid bruit
• B. Bruit
• C. Click
• D. JVD

Answer: (A)

When turbulent blood flow in a vessel produces an audible sound, that sound is called a bruit. In the neck, if this turbulent flow comes from the carotid arteries due to plaque buildup or vessel damage, the specific term is carotid bruit. It signals carotid artery disease and is something clinicians listen for with a stethoscope along the neck where the carotid arteries are located. A general bruit could occur in other vessels, but a carotid bruit refers specifically to the neck arteries. A click is a different, valve-related sound, and JVD is a sign of elevated jugular venous pressure, not a vascular sound in the arteries.