Arteries carry blood away from the heart and out to the rest of the body. Clogged arteries occur when the plaque or fatty deposits build up along the inside walls of the arteries. This buildup causes them to narrow, blocking the normal flow of blood. Unfortunately, there are often no symptoms of clogged arteries until the blood flow is completely blocked, which often results in a heart attack or stroke. For this reason, it is important to regularly test for clogged arteries if they are suspected.

Simple Tests

There are a variety of simple tests your doctor may use to determine whether you have clogged arteries. Among these, the blood pressure test is among the most common. Blood pressure measures the force of blood that is pushing against the walls of the arteries. By taking your blood pressure, your doctor can determine whether you may have any problems with your heart or blood vessels. If your blood pressure is elevated, it implies that the blood is having a more difficult time moving through the arteries, which indicates the presence of clogged arteries. Although blood pressure is commonly taken at the inner arm, it can also be taken in the ankles to determine blood pressure differences between the arms and ankles. This test helps to diagnose clogged arteries in the limbs. Your doctor may also do a simple blood test to determine your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is often another indicator of clogged arteries.

Advanced Tests

Cardiac catheterization is one of the most commonly used tools for diagnosing clogged arteries. This test is sometimes called the coronary angiography. The test involves inserting a thin, flexible catheter into an artery through a tiny incision in the groin area. A special dye is then injected into the arteries, which is visible to the angiogram X-ray. The angiogram watches as the dye moves throughout your arteries. The dye will have a difficult time moving through areas with blocked or narrowed arteries. A CT scan involves a combination of traditional x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the heart and blood vessels. These three-dimensional images provide a clear image of the anatomy of the heart and the efficiency of the blood circulation. The CT scan will show whether any of the heart's blood vessels or arteries are blocked or narrowed, due to a buildup of plaque along the artery walls. A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test is able to provide both still and moving images of the heart. It is used to assess the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, including the location of clogged arteries or veins, muscle damage, abnormal blood flow, irregular heart beat and structural defects of the heart.

Treatment

Once clogged arteries have been diagnosed, it is important to seek treatment accordingly. Blocked arteries restrict the body's flow of blood, which could potentially lead to serious medical conditions if left untreated. Certain lifestyle changes should be made to prevent the clogged arteries from becoming more blocked. These lifestyle modifications include adopting a healthier diet, low in cholesterol and fat. You should also exercise regularly, quit smoking and maintain a healthy body weight. Certain medical treatments are available to treat clogged arteries. These treatments include angioplasty, stents placed within the arteries, coronary atherectomy and heart bypass surgery.

Source:

Clogged Arteries, Tests for Atherosclerosis

Care For Blocked Arteries

Cardiac Catheterization