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Test for Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis of the extremities is a disease of the blood vessels that causes a narrowing and hardening of the arteries. It develops when cholesterol, fat and other substances build up in the walls of arteries. When this material forms calcium deposits it may ultimately block the arteries.The legs and feet are frequently the first to suffer the effects of the disease. There are numerous tests available to help diagnose arteriosclerosis.

  1. Risk Factors & Symptoms

    • Arteriosclerosis is a common condition that most often develops in men over age 50. People are at higher risk of the disease if they have a personal or family history of smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease or stroke.

      There are usually no symptoms of arteriosclerosis until an artery has become so severely clogged that it can no longer supply sufficient blood to your organs and tissues. When a blood clot completely prohibits blood flow, there is potential for a heart attack or stroke.

    Physical Exam

    • Your doctor will perform an examination and with the use of a stethoscope may be able to detect a whooshing sound over the artery. You may also have a decrease in blood pressure in the affected limb and little or no pulse in the feet or legs.

      Blood tests may indicate high levels of cholesterol and blood sugar. Your doctor may order one or a number of additional tests to help confirm a diagnose of arteriosclerosis.

    ABI & Angiography

    • An ankle-brachial index (ABI) can determined if arteriosclerosis is present in your feet and legs. An inconsistency between the blood pressure in your ankle and the blood pressure in your arm may be a sign of peripheral vascular disease, that be indicative of arteriosclerosis.

      During an angiogram, your doctor injects a dye into your arteries prior to taking an X-ray. The dye serves to highlight constricted areas as blockages.

    Ultrasound, MRA & CT Scan

    • In some cases, your doctor may use a Doppler ultrasound to record your blood pressure at different points up and down the length of your arm or leg. These measurements help assess the extent of any blockages and determine the rate of blow flow in your arteries.

      Additional tests including computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) can frequently detect hardening and narrowing of large arteries. They can also identify aneurysms and calcium deposits in the walls of arteries.

    Treatment

    • The first step in treating arteriosclerosis is to consume a healthy diet, maintain an average weight and get plenty of exercise.

      In addition to these lifestyle factors, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol lowering medications (statins, fibrates) and/or anticoagulants (heparin, warfarin ) to help thin blood to prevent the formation of blood clots.

      High blood pressure medications such as (beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and calcium channel blockers) can help slow the development of arteriosclerosis.

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