Atherosclerosis
Alternate Names : Arteriosclerosis, Hardening of the Arteries, Plaque Buildup - Arteries
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Atherosclerosis Diagnosis & Tests
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
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CT scan of the affected area
- Magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA)
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Arteriography of the affected area
- Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) of the affected vessels
- Cardiac stress testing
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