Screening
Atherosclerosis does not usually produce any symptoms until a cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurs. Therefore, those at risk of developing atherosclerosis should be tested for the condition. Screening allows treatment to be given in order to reduce the risk of CVD developing.
Your GP may recommend that you are screened if they feel that you are at significant risk of developing CVD. Risk factors include:
- being over 40 years of age
- being overweight or obese
- being a smoker, or having a previous history of heavy smoking
- eating a high-fat diet
- having high blood pressure (hypertension)
- having diabetes
- having a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes
There are several tests that can be used to assess your level of existing atherosclerosis and your risk of developing CVD. Tests that you may have include:
- blood tests, which can measure the amount of cholesterol in your blood, plus the amount of glucose if you are diabetic
- blood pressure tests
- a measurement of your weight and waist size
Your GP may also carry out an ankle-brachial index test. This is a form of blood pressure test where the blood pressure in your ankle is compared to the blood pressure in your arm. A difference between the two readings may suggest that atherosclerosis is restricting the blood supply to your legs and that you have peripheral arterial disease.
Further tests
If it is felt that your risk of developing CVD is very high, or if you are experiencing symptoms that are associated with CVD, further tests may be required to confirm the level of atherosclerosis, and locate the sites of any potential blockages in your arteries. These tests are explained below.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the electrical activity of your heart. This test can measure how well your heart is functioning and it can often detect the presence of heart disease.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound scanner uses sound waves to build up a picture of the inside of your body. This can be used to measure your blood pressure at different points in your body. Any variation in pressure could point to the site of a blockage in your arteries. Ultrasound tests can also be used to study the larger arteries.
See the A-Z topic about Ultrasound scans for more information.
Angiogram
An angiogram is a test in which you are injected with a special dye that can be seen on X-rays. The test is used to see how the blood flows through your body.
Computed tomography (CT) scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan takes a series of X-ray images and uses a computer to assemble them into a more detailed three-dimensional image. It can often detect narrowing, or hardening, in the larger arteries.
See the A-Z topic about CT scans for more information.
Ophthalmoscopy
An ophthalmoscopy is a type of eye test where an instrument called an ophthalmoscope is used to examine the blood vessels in the back of your eye. The ophthalmoscope can sometimes detect hardening of the blood vessels in your retina (the retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye).
