How to Detect Clogged Arteries

Clogged arteries are the result of plaque that accumulates over time on the interior wall of the artery. This build-up impedes the flow of blood to eventually block the artery completely. This stops the blood flow to and from the heart. Clogged arteries can cause various artery-related diseases, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease or carotid artery disease. Detecting clogged arteries before the blockage begins becomes critical.

Instructions

• 1

  Examine your risk factors for clogged arteries. Potential risk factors include smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, unhealthy diet, diabetes, and family history of the disease.

• 2

  Watch for symptoms of clogged arteries. These include heart attack, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, clammy skin (cool to touch, but very sweaty). In women, clogged arteries may present with additional symptoms such as vomiting, severe fatigue, pain in the shoulder, and nausea. Patients with clogged arteries also have reported symptoms such as pain in the stomach and jaw.

• 3

  Consult your doctor for testing. Several tests are used to detect clogged arteries, such as an angiogram. For this test, dye is injected into the arteries, and its progression through the circulatory system is mapped. Blockages are distinguishable from clear arteries. MRIs, ultrasounds, and echocardiograms all give a view of the interior artery. Other options include stress tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), performed while you run on a treadmill. An EKG also is used to measure electrical activity in the heart.