How to check for arteriosclerosis?

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on March 31, 2025
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Arteriosclerosis is a relatively common disease in our daily life. After being diagnosed with arteriosclerosis, the following tests should be considered: Firstly, blood tests, such as lipid panels, are necessary to determine the levels of blood lipids. Based on the results, medication might be required for treatment. Secondly, arterial Doppler ultrasound is useful as it can effectively detect the presence and severity of arteriosclerosis. Thirdly, arterial angiography is recommended when there is a strong suspicion of arterial narrowing due to arteriosclerosis, leading to coronary heart disease or other conditions. This test helps in determining the severity of the arteriosclerosis and in deciding the treatment plan.

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Written by Zeng Wei Jie
Cardiology
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How is arteriosclerosis treated?

The treatment of arteriosclerosis includes general preventive measures, pharmacological treatment interventions, and surgical interventions. General protective measures include reasonable dietary practices, appropriate physical exercise, proper arrangement of work and life, maintaining a pleasant mood, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and controlling some disease-related risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, etc. The main pharmacological treatment focuses on lipid-lowering and antiplatelet medication. For some patients with symptoms of angina pectoris, such as symptoms of target organ damage, treatment may involve dilating the blood vessels. Interventional treatment indications are now relatively broad. For some who are not suitable for interventional procedures, surgical treatments can be considered.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
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The difference between arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is a common and important type among a group of vascular diseases known as arteriosclerosis. The common characteristics of various arterioscleroses include thickening and hardening of arterial walls, loss of elasticity, and narrowing of the lumen. Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis characterized by lesions starting from the arterial intima, subsequently involving the accumulation of lipids and complex carbohydrates, bleeding, thrombosis, proliferation of fibrous tissues, and deposition of calcium, along with gradual degeneration and calcification of the arterial media. Since the lipids accumulated in the arterial intima appear yellowish and mushy, it is termed atherosclerosis.

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Written by Zeng Wei Jie
Cardiology
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What medicine to take for arteriosclerosis?

Drug therapy is an important component of the treatment for atherosclerosis and mainly includes the following types. The first is to regulate blood sugar and lipids, keeping them under control to slow down the process of atherosclerosis. The second involves taking antiplatelet medications to prevent the formation of blood clots, especially since some plaques, particularly soft plaques, are prone to rupture. For some patients who have already formed blood clots, thrombolytic therapy might be considered, but this is not typically necessary for all patients. Additionally, because high blood pressure can accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis, some patients also need to take antihypertensive drugs. For patients with narrowed blood vessels and severe symptoms, such as angina, vasodilators, including nitrates, might be used. Therefore, the treatment choices may vary depending on the severity of the condition, and the modes of drug therapy differ. (Note: Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zeng Wei Jie
Cardiology
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The earliest lesions of arteriosclerosis

The earliest lesion of atherosclerosis is the formation of lipid spots and streaks. The so-called lipid spots are small yellow dots that appear on the arterial intima. Under pathological observation, these are small areas of macrophages containing lipid droplets, forming a cluster of foam cells. As this small yellow dot develops, it gradually turns into a yellow streak made up of layers of macrophages containing lipids. The intima also comprises smooth muscle cells and lipids, as well as an infiltration of T cells, resembling a yellow streak on the intima.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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What foods to eat for arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis has become increasingly prevalent as living standards improve. This is directly related to unreasonable adjustments in dietary structure. People in this demographic should focus on a diet low in fats, sugars, and oils, and consume more vegetables and fruits as well as foods high in dietary fiber. Suitable fruits and vegetables include apples, oranges, tomatoes, kelp, kiwis, grapefruits, seaweed, enoki mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, onions, and peas. These foods contain high levels of vitamins, trace elements, and dietary fiber, which can purify the blood and help reduce high cholesterol and alleviate the progression of arteriosclerosis.