1. Know the Risk Factors
Learn about the risk factors that are associated with atherosclerosis, also referred to as hardening of the arteries, so that you will know if you are a likely victim. People who have high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes are more likely to develop plaque buildup in their arteries. If you're overweight or smoke, you are also at risk for atherosclerosis. Have your doctor periodically test your cholesterol levels and check your blood pressure during routine appointments.
2. Recognize Chest Pain as a Common Symptom
If you have unexplained chest pain or pain in your arms or legs and fall into a high-risk group for atherosclerosis, you may be showing symptoms of the disease. Unfortunately, there are no warning signs as the plaque begins to fill your arteries. Chest and limb pain occurs when there is already a blockage of the blood flow. You may also experience a shortness of breath.
3. Take a Stress Test
Hardening of the arteries and heart disease can be diagnosed through a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI) and a cardiac stress test. An ABI measures your blood pressure while you are resting and then again after you have walked for 5 minutes, usually on a treadmill. If your ABI is lower after exercising than when you are at rest, you may have a blockage that needs to be treated. A stress test is similar in nature: You will have an electrocardiogram done while you exercise, to measure how your body responds to physical stress.
4. Rely on Imaging Tools
Using diagnostic tools such as a CT scan or Doppler ultrasound allows doctors to literally see whether there is plaque buildup in your blood vessels. In the early stages of the disease, your doctor may be able to hear a "whooshing" noise when she listens to affected arteries. A visual test lets her see just how advanced the atherosclerosis is, making it easier for her to develop an effective treatment plan.
