Talk with Your Doctor

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease that can start in early adulthood and build up over time. So what can you do to slow the progression of Athero? Talk with your doctor.

It's never too early to ask your doctor if your risk factors can speed up the progression of athero and lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. For most of us, plaque starts building in our arteries in early adulthood. The sooner you talk with your doctor, the sooner you can find out if the plaque in your arteries might be posing a serious health concern.

Know Before You Go

Athero often goes unnoticed by some people until they suffer a heart attack, stroke, or other serious consequence. That's why it's helpful to know some of the ways your doctor can diagnose atherosclerosis and related arterial diseases like carotid artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Here are two common ways to diagnose athero.

Bruits

One way your doctor can diagnose athero is by placing a stethoscope on your neck, abdomen, or leg to listen to your arteries. Your doctor is listening for bruits (pronounced brew-ees), or a faint whooshing noise caused by blood rushing through restricted arteries.

Ankle/Brachial Index

Another way your doctor can check for athero involves taking blood pressure at the ankle and arm when you are at rest. This technique is called the ankle/brachial index.

During your next office visit, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about these techniques for diagnosis. Find a physician you feel comfortable with, who is easy to talk to, and who takes the time to answer your questions with thoughtful, professional answers.

Questions for Your Doctor About Athero

Some people may not know what to ask when they talk to their doctor about atherosclerosis, or athero as we call it. To get the most out of your appointment with your doctor, write down questions in advance. Here are some to get you started:

Do my risk factors contribute to the development of athero?
What can I do to lower my risk for the consequences of athero?
Can you tell me more about bruits, the ankle/brachial index, or other ways to diagnose athero?
What can I do if I am diagnosed with athero?
Can you recommend specific lifestyle changes that would be helpful?
How do my cholesterol levels affect the progression of athero?
What do I need to do to maintain or improve my cholesterol levels?
Are there any medications that can help slow the progression of athero?
How does smoking contribute to the progression of athero?

Take these questions about athero to your doctor. Download them now (PDF - 205k)

Make Healthy Choices

While working with your doctor is a key step, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Make sure you work together to create a smart game plan that includes getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, limiting your alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco products.

Learn more about making healthy lifestyle choices

Get Smart About Athero

To learn more about atherosclerosis, sign up for the Athero IQ Program. This ongoing program includes helpful facts about treatment options, diet and exercise tips, information about important risk factors, and questions you should ask your doctor.

Find out more about increasing your athero IQ