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It’s never too early to talk with your doctor about athero.
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease that can start early in life and build up over time. So what can you do to slow the progression? Talk with your doctor.
It's never too early to ask you doctor if your risk factors can speed up the process of athero. For most of us, plaque starts building in our arteries early in life. 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.
To make the most of your next visit, download this list of questions to ask your doctor.
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.
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.
Another way your doctor can check for athero involves taking blood pressure at the ankle and arm when you are at rest and then taking it again after 5 minutes on a treadmill. 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.
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:
Take these questions to your doctor. Download them now.
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 »
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.
Get your Athero IQ Program now »