Is it Possible to Diagnose Arteriosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis is a disease caused by plaque build-up in blood vessels. Plaques, which can narrow and harden the arterial wall, prevent the normal flow of blood. Thus, less oxygenated blood is delivered to organs and tissues.
Arteriosclerosis usually occurs in people with factors such as advanced age, high blood pressure, overweight, high cholesterol, smoking and diabetes.
Arteriosclerosis may not show symptoms when the disease does not progress too much. However, various symptoms can be seen as the severity of the disease increases. These symptoms can be listed as follows; chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, irregular heart rhythm, foot and leg pain, dizziness, etc. symptoms.
There are many methods for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis. These methods can be listed as follows;
- Physical Examination: During the physical examination performed by the doctor according to the symptoms and risk factors of the patient, pulse control, leg and eye examination, heart and respiratory control are performed. Physical examination alone may not be sufficient to diagnose the disease. Therefore, the results of the physical examination should be evaluated together with other tests.
- ABI Test The ABI test is a test that examines the blood flow in the arteries in the legs. It is used as a first-line test. Evaluating the results of the ABI test, which is one of the methods that can help diagnose atherosclerosis, together with other methods will be more effective in complex cases.
- PWV (Pulse Wave Velocity): It is a gold standard test used to detect atherosclerosis. As arteriosclerosis increases, the flow rate of blood through the vessels decreases. The PWV test provides precise information about atherosclerosis by detecting the pulse wave velocity. A prolonged pulse wave velocity gives information about how advanced the arteriosclerosis is.
- Doppler Ultrasonography: Doppler ultrasonography is a technique that allows visualization of blood flow. It is especially used to understand the condition of the arteries in the legs. With this method, plaques and stenosis in the arteries are determined, the thickness of the arteries and the blood flow rate are evaluated.
- Computed Tomography: This is one of the methods used to visualize the heart and large vessels. It helps to detect plaque build-up and calcium deposits in the vessels. It provides three-dimensional and high quality images of the arteries, helping to evaluate narrowing, plaque and other abnormal conditions in the arteries.
- Angiography: This is often used in more advanced cases and as an advanced imaging test. It is also used to open a blood vessel. The condition of the arteries is examined in detail.
- Blood tests: High blood sugar and high cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis. Blood tests are usually done to check blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
It is extremely important for patients with a family history of atherosclerosis or with various risk factors to have certain tests for early diagnosis and prevention of the disease. The appropriate test is determined by the doctor depending on the person’s symptoms, risk factors, family history of the disease, medical history and general health.
For more information on atherosclerosis and to have your blood vessels checked, please contact a Cardiovascular Surgeon.
