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How Is Atherosclerosis Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Atherosclerosis consists of a number of steps. Your physician would usually start by recording:

  • Your family and medical history
  • Risk factors with respect to your age and health conditions
  • Results of the diagnostics and physical exam

Involvement of specialists:

Typically, a general physician, doctor or internist may be treating you for atherosclerosis, but sometimes you might need an expert opinion. Some specialists that might be involved:

  • Neurologist – if you had suffered from a stroke from carotid artery disease
  • Cardiologist – if you are suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Vascular Specialist – in case of any peripheral artery disease (PAD)

Followed by a Physical Exam where the doctor might place a stethoscope on a damaged artery and listen for a whooshing sound called broo-E. A broo-E indicates inadequate blood flow. The doctor might also check for an absent or weak pulse indicating a blocked artery.

The doctor might ask you endure some diagnostic tests in order to get wider idea to diagnose your atherosclerosis. Some tests you might be required to do:

  • Blood Tests
  • Chest X-Ray
  • Echocardiography
  • EKG (electrocardiogram)
  • Angiography
  • Stress Testing
  • Computed Tomography Scan
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