How to check for arteriosclerosis
Disease description:
I have been feeling unwell these two days, experiencing persistent headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and unsteady gait. I suspect I might have arteriosclerosis. Could you please tell me how to check for arteriosclerosis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
The specific methods for checking vascular sclerosis are as follows:
1. Blood lipid and glucose testing: Blood lipids and glucose are major risk factors for atherosclerosis. Therefore, blood lipid and glucose tests should be conducted first to determine the presence of these risk factors.
2. Blood pressure measurement: Hypertension is also one of the primary risk factors for atherosclerosis. Patients with hypertension should pay special attention, as measuring blood pressure helps assess the risk of arterial hardening.
3. Ultrasound examination: Including color Doppler ultrasound and ultrasound scanning, this method can clearly identify whether the vascular intima has thickened, whether there is hardening in the vessel wall, and whether plaques, luminal stenosis, or occlusion exist. Ultrasound examination is non-invasive and highly effective, making it one of the most commonly used methods for detecting atherosclerosis.
4. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) examination: These tests are more targeted. If atherosclerosis of the major arteries in the heart is suspected, an ECG can be performed; if cerebral vascular atherosclerosis is suspected, a transcranial Doppler can be conducted.
5. Angiography: Including CT angiography (CTA), this technique allows direct visualization of the presence, location, and severity of vascular stenosis, making it one of the most accurate methods for evaluating the extent and severity of vascular sclerosis.
