What are the tests for atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is very common in clinical practice, which is related to cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis has a great impact on people's health, and the examination of atherosclerosis is also very important. Generally, blood lipids can be checked when examining for atherosclerosis.

1. Blood lipid test

Patients with atherosclerosis often have dyslipidemia, including increased total cholesterol, increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), increased triglycerides, decreased apolipoprotein A (APOA), increased apolipoprotein B (APOB), and increased lipoprotein (a) [LP(a)].

2. X-ray examination

X-ray examination shows that the aortic knot bulges upward, the aortic shadow is widened and twisted, and calcium deposition shadows can be seen. Aortic aneurysm shows that the corresponding part of the aorta is enlarged. Aortography shows fusiform or saccular aneurysms. Of course, for changes in atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries, cerebral arteries, renal arteries, and limb arteries, arteriography can show lumen stenosis or aneurysmal lesions, and show the location, range, and extent of the lesions.

3. Ultrasound vascular examination

It can determine the blood flow and vascular lesions of the carotid arteries, limb arteries and renal arteries, while the lesions of the cerebral arteries and coronary arteries can also be determined through relevant examinations. Characteristic changes suggested by radionuclide examination, echocardiography, electrocardiogram and exercise stress test are helpful in diagnosing coronary atherosclerosis. CT, MRI and brain ultrasound examinations provide valuable clues for the diagnosis of cerebral atherosclerosis.

4. Intravascular ultrasound and angioscopy

Intravascular ultrasound and angioscopy can show the status of vascular wall lesions and the location of the lesions, which helps to accurately understand the lesions and improve the accuracy of diagnosis.