What Is the Diagnosis and Treatment of Atherosclerosis?

Q:
What is the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis?

A:
You doctor may ask you do a physical exam and more diagnostic tests, including:

  • Ankle-brachial index.
  • Blood tests.
  • Cardiac catheterization and angiogram.
  • Doppler ultrasound.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG).
  • Stress test.
  • Other imaging tests.

Treatments for atherosclerosis include medication and surgical procedures:

  • Medicines such as cholesterol medications, anti-platelet medications, beta blocker medications, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and water pills.
  • Angioplasty and stent placement. A mesh tube (stent) is usually left in the artery to help keep the artery open.
  • Bypass surgery. Your doctor may create a graft bypass using a vessel from another part of your body or a tube made of synthetic fabric.
  • Endarterectomy. In some cases, fatty deposits must be surgically removed from the walls of a narrowed artery.
  • Fibrinolytic therapy. If you have an artery that’s blocked by a blood clot, your doctor may use a clot-dissolving drug to break it apart.
* The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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