During your long-term follow-up clinic appointment, you will have a physical exam and an ultrasound test (performed at the Cardiology Clinic) of the carotid arteries. A carotid ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to look at the blood vessels in the neck. Blood will be drawn (about 2-3 teaspoons) for laboratory tests, including blood sugar level, blood cholesterol level, blood triglyceride level, thyroid hormone level, and blood levels of certain proteins (C-reactive protein and brain natriuretic peptide).