Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis

The GP may suspect atherosclerosis due to the symptoms and gentle probing of the arteries with the hand.

More definite tests may then be suggested, including an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram radionuclide scan, and angiography.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is an electrical recording of the heart and is used in the investigation of heart disease. Electrodes covered with conducting jelly are placed on the person’s chest. Exercise electrocardiography (stress test) may be conducted while the person exercises on a treadmill.

The echocardiogram (ultrasound) uses sound waves to create an image of the heart's chambers and valves. It is usually performed by placing a probe with a conducting jelly on the person’s chest to transmit sound waves into the body and the images are displayed on a monitor. Severe coronary artery disease may cause abnormal heart motion that is detected by echocardiography. Ultrasound can also used to assess arteries of the neck and thighs.

Radionuclide angiogram and thallium scanning enable the doctors to view the blood flow through the coronary arteries and the heart chambers. A small amount of radioactive material (thallium) is injected into the bloodstream and pictures of the heart can be recorded. Scanning is usually performed in a hospital's nuclear medicine department. Each scan takes 30-60 minutes.

An angiogram is the most accurate diagnostic method. The person is injected into the coronary arteries with a contrast dye that makes the heart visible to x-rays. A specialist then inserts a viewing instrument into a blood vessel in the leg or arm and guides it into the heart. Pictures are taken of the contrast dye flowing though the arteries and any plaque or blockages can be clearly seen. This procedure is done under sedation.

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