Atherosclerosis

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Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis often shows no symptoms until flow within a blood vessel has become seriously compromised. Typical symptoms of atherosclerosis include chest pain when a coronary artery is involved, or leg pain when a leg artery is involved. Sometimes symptoms occur only with exertion. In some people, however, they may occur at rest.

Atherosclerosis may not be diagnosed until symptoms develop. Prior to complications, atherosclerosis may be noted by the presence of a "bruit" (a whooshing or blowing sound heard over the artery with a stethoscope). The affected area may have a decreased pulse.

Tests that indicate atherosclerosis (or complications) include:

• An abnormal difference between the blood pressure of the ankle and arm (ankle/brachial index, or ABI)
• Doppler study of the affected area
• Ultrasonic Duplex scanning
• CT scan of the affected area
• Magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA)
• Arteriography of the affected area
• Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) of the affected vessels
• Cardiac stress testing

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