Diagnosing atherosclerosis
Diagnosing atherosclerosis
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Arteriosclerosis does not usually produce any symptoms until a cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurs. It is therefore important for those who are at risk of developing arteriosclerosis to be tested for the condition. This means they can be given treatment that will reduce the risk of them developing a CVD.
Your GP may recommend that you be screened if they feel that you are at significant risk of developing a CVD. Risk factors include:
being over 40 years of age,
being overweight,
being a smoker, or having a previous history of heavy smoking,
eating a high-fat diet,
having high blood pressure (hypertension),
having diabetes, and
having a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
There are several tests that can be used to assess your level of existing arteriosclerosis and, consequently, your risk of developing a CVD.
These include:
blood tests - which can measure the amount of cholesterol in your blood, and also glucose if you are diabetic,
blood pressure tests, and
a measurement of both your weight and waist size.
Your GP may also carry out an ankle-brachial index test. This is a form of blood pressure test, where the blood pressure in your ankle is compared to the blood pressure in your arm. A difference between the two readings may suggest that arteriosclerosis is restricting the supply of blood to your legs and that you have peripheral arterial disease.
Further tests
If it is felt that your risk of developing CVD is very high, or you are experiencing symptoms associated with a CVD, further tests may be required to confirm the level of arteriosclerosis, and locate the sites of any potential blockages in your arteries. These tests are explained below.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the electrical activity of your heart. This test can measure how well your heart is functioning and it can often detect the presence of heart disease.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound scanner uses sound waves to build up a picture of the inside of your body. This can be used to precisely measure your blood pressure at different points in your body. Any variation in pressure could point to the site of a blockage in your arteries. Ultrasound tests can also be used to study the larger arteries.
Angiogram
An angiogram is a test where you are injected with a special dye that can be seen on X-Rays. The test is used to see how the blood flows through your body.
Computer topography (CT) scan
A computer topography (CT) scan takes a series of X-Ray images and assembles them into a more detailed '3-D' image. It can often detect narrowing, or hardening, in the larger arteries.
Arteriograph
An arteriograph is a new diagnostic device that uses an upper arm cuff to measure how hard your arteries are, without the need to take blood samples. However, although the atereriograph is now in use in the UK, it may be some time before the device is available in all GP's surgeries.
