Atherosclerosis

Alternative names:

arteriosclerosis; hardening of the arteries

Symptoms:

Atherosclerosis shows no symptoms until a complication occurs.

Signs and tests:

Atherosclerosis may not be diagnosed until complications occur. Prior to complications, atherosclerosis may be noted by the presence of a vascular (blood vessel) bruit (whooshing or blowing sound heard over the artery with a stethoscope). Pulses may be decreased in the affected area.

Tests that indicate atherosclerosis (or complications) include:

• an ultrasound of affected area
• a CT scan of affected area
• an arteriography of affected area