Tests for Atherosclerosis
The following is a list of tests and treatments we offer to help diagnose Atherosclerosis.
Angiography
Cardiovascular Assessment
Chest X-ray
EKG
Exercise Perfusion Stress Test
Pharmacological Perfusion Stress Test
Stress Echo
Stress Test
Peripheral Angiography
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Ankle-brachial index (ABI): ABI is a simple, painless non-invasive exam that compares the blood pressure in your feet to the blood pressure in your arms to determine how well your blood is flowing. This test only requires a few minutes and can be performed by your healthcare professional as part of a routine exam. Normally the ankle pressure is at least 90 percent of the arm pressure, but with severe narrowing of the vessels in your lower legs it may be less than 50 percent.
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Doppler and Ultrasound imaging: a non-invasive method that visualizes the artery with sound waves and measures the blood flow of an artery to indicate the presence of a blockage.
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Computed Tomographic Angiography (CT): CT is a non-invasive test that can show the arteries in your head, abdomen, heart, pelvis arms and legs. A computer and X-rays are used to generate the images. This test is useful in patients with pacemakers or stents.
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Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): MRA is a non-invasive test that provides information similar to that of a CT without using X-rays. MRA uses a large magnet to produce clear images of arteries in your head, abdomen, heart, pelvis, arms and legs.
Treatments for Atherolsclerosis
The treatment for atherosclerosis starts with living a healthy lifestyle. your physician may recommend the following:
- Stop Smoking
- Exercise
- Weight Loss
- Lower Your Cholesterol
- Control Stress
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Cardiac Diet
Medications are also used to control risk factors for atherosclerosis. Be sure to follow your physician's instructions when taking medications.
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Nitroglycerin usually works well to relieve chest discomfort from angina.
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Beta blockers reduce your heart’s work during exercise by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure.
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Calcium Channel Blockers reduce the blood pressure — and sometimes the heart rate — during exercise. They also relax and widen the arteries to the heart muscle like nitroglycerin does.
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Statins- This class of drugs works in the liver to prevent the formation of cholesterol. They are most effective at lowering the LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Other treatments:
Medications and lifestyle changes can reduce blood pressure, oxygen demand, and relieve excess strain on the heart, but they cannot clear an already blocked artery. If your arteries are badly blocked, you may need surgery or an angioplasty. More information is contained within the following links:
Angioplasty
Cardiac Catheterization
Coronary Bypass Surgery
Peripheral Angioplasty
Peripheral Bypass Surgery
Cardiac Rehabilitation