Atherosclerosis Diagnosis

Atherosclerosis diagnosis is based on medical and family histories, atherosclerosis risk factors, physical exam and diagnostic tests.

Specialists Involved in the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis

• If affects coronary arteries – needs to consult cardiologist, a doctor specialized in treating heart problems.
• If affects peripheral arteries – needs to consult vascular specialist, a doctor specialized in treating blood vessel problems.
• If affects carotid arteries – needs to consult neurologist, a doctor specialized in treating nervous system disorders.

Physical Exam

During the physical exam,

• Doctor may examine arteries by stethoscope for any abnormal whooshing sound called a bruit. A bruit may indicate a plaque causing poor blood flow.
• Doctor may also check pulses at various locations for any abnormality such as weak or absent pulse, a sign of blocked artery.

Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

• Blood Tests to examine level of fats, cholesterol, glucose, and proteins in the blood. Any abnormal levels may indicate risk factors for atherosclerosis.
• EKG (Electrocardiogram) records electrical pulses of heart. Electrical pulse strength and timing, helps to find previous or current heart attack and risk of coronary artery diseases (CAD).
• Chest X ray - picture of heart, lungs and blood vessels. Helps to reveal indication of a hear failure.
• Ankle-Brachial index, test to compares the blood pressure in ankle and in arms to examine blood flow in extremities. Any abnormality indicates peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• Echocardiography produces actual moving picture of the heart. Provides information about the size and shape of heart, heart chamber and valve functioning. Used to pinpoint the areas of poor blood flow, contraction abnormalities and any injury in heart muscles.
• Computer tomography (CT) scan – produces images of the heart, brain or other body parts. Helps to identify hardening and narrowing of arteries.
• Stress Testing is performed by making the heart work hard and beat faster, hearts is made to work hard by exercising, if not able to do exercise then medication it used to speed up heart. When heart work harder it need more blood and oxygen, if the arteries are narrowed it cannot provide enough blood or oxygen. Any abnormality such as heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, shortness of breath, and chest pain are helpful in the diagnosis.
• Angiography - A catheter (thin, flexible tube) is inserted into a blood vessel in the arm, thigh, or neck. A special dye that can be visible on x ray is injected into the arteries. By seeing the x-ray picture, doctor can diagnose any blockage in the arteries and its severity.

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