Detecting clogged arteries

[Cap'n Refsmmat]

My parents have an interesting question to pose after an acquaintance suffered a massive heart attack: is there a diagnostic method to detect artery clogs before they strike, besides an angiogram? Angiograms are, after all, a bit invasive for a routine test. (Though apparently it's fashionable in some countries to get regular angiograms, like they're colonoscopies.)

[cameron marical]

I dont think that there is other than going to the doctor.

 

Though, headaches, fatigue, and shakiness I think would be brought on by clogged arteries, {lower amounts of oxygen to parts of the body}, but then it may be too late.

[leprachuan45]

If cholesterol is high and you have strong family history that could be an indicator, but not entirely to be relied on. They could do a nuclear medicine test called a stress test. The newest test they could do is called computed tomography angiography. They now have fast enough scanners that some places can image the heart vessels with amazing accuracy. Some people are good candidates some aren't depends on the heart rate and a couple of other things. You have to have a large bore IV, but is much less invasive. Some insurance pays for it some don't.

[Psycho]

Though, headaches, fatigue, and shakiness I think would be brought on by clogged arteries, {lower amounts of oxygen to parts of the body}, but then it may be too late.

That is the symptoms of so many conditions, that it is pretty useless to go on those factors, they are a the symptoms of a hangover.

 

I believe they would normally check your blood pressure while looking at your over all physique and age to determine whether you were at greater risk of atherosclerosis.

[insane_alien]

ultrasound imaging may provide a way of detecting clogged arteries that would be non invasive, however accuracy may be an issue.

[Syntho-sis]

Well I know a stress test can be performed to gain somewhat reliable insight into one's general cardiovascular health. Which is entirely 'non-invasive' but it will only provide you with a limited depiction, and doesn't really clue you in on the health of the arteries.

 

Also if someone is about to suffer a massive heart attack, it would be pretty obvious upon general examination by a cardiologist.

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This website is pretty informative on cardio diagnostics tools.

 

Cheers,