Depending on the results of the physical exam, your doctor may suggest one or more tests, including:. Exercise stress test. If your signs and symptoms occur most often during exercise, your doctor may recommend this test. You'll walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while you're connected to an ECG.
Because exercise makes your heart pump harder and faster than it does during most daily activities, an exercise stress test can reveal problems within your heart that might otherwise be missed. If you're unable to exercise, you may be given a medication that mimics the effect of exercise on your heart.
Ankle-brachial index ABI. This test can tell if you have atherosclerosis in the arteries in your legs and feet. During an ABI test, your doctor compares the blood pressure in your ankle with the blood pressure in your arm. An abnormal difference may be a sign of peripheral vascular disease, which is usually caused by atherosclerosis. Cardiac catheterization and angiogram. This test can show if your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked.
During this procedure, a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube catheter into a blood vessel and to your heart. Dye flows through the catheter. As the dye fills your arteries, the arteries become visible on X-ray, revealing areas of blockage. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising, are the first treatment for atherosclerosis — and may be all that you need to treat your atherosclerosis.
But sometimes, medication or surgical procedures may be needed. Many different drugs are available to slow — or even reverse — the effects of atherosclerosis. Here are some medications used to treat atherosclerosis:. Statins and other cholesterol medications.
Aggressively lowering your low-density lipoprotein LDL cholesterol — the bad cholesterol — can slow, stop or even reverse the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries. Statins are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol, improve artery health and prevent atherosclerosis. There are many other types of cholesterol-lowering medications.
Another common type is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor called ezetimibe Zetia. You may need more than one type of cholesterol medication. Sometimes more aggressive treatment is needed to treat atherosclerosis.
If you have severe symptoms or a blockage, your doctor may recommend one of the following surgical procedures:. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Exercise most days of the week. Regular exercise improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and reduces your risk of conditions that increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Aim to exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week. If you can't fit it all into one session, try breaking it up into minute intervals. You can take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk around the block during your lunch hour, or do some situps or pushups while watching television.
You may also need additional medical treatments, such as medications or surgery. Aspirin can be particularly effective for people with a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. An aspirin regimen discussed with your doctor may potentially lower your risk of having another health event if you already have atherosclerosis. The U. Preventive Services Task Force recently released updated guidelines on using aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
These guidelines may be relevant in discussions with your doctor. If you have no history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, only use aspirin as a preventive medication if your risk of bleeding is low and your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is high. Always discuss an aspirin regimen with your doctor first.
If symptoms are especially severe or if muscle or skin tissue are endangered, surgery may be necessary. Many factors place you at risk for atherosclerosis. If atherosclerosis runs in your family , you may be at risk for hardening of the arteries.
You can inherit this condition, as well as other heart-related problems. Regular exercise is good for your heart. It keeps your heart muscle strong and encourages oxygen and blood flow throughout your body. Lack of exercise increases your risk for a host of medical conditions, including heart disease.
High blood pressure can damage your blood vessels by making them weak in some areas. Cholesterol and other substances in your blood may lower the flexibility of your arteries over time. Smoking tobacco products can damage your blood vessels and heart.
People with diabetes have a much higher incidence of coronary artery disease. CAD occurs when the coronary arteries become hard. The carotid arteries are found in your neck and supply blood to your brain. These arteries may be compromised if plaque builds up in their walls. Your legs, arms, and lower body depend on your arteries to supply blood and oxygen to their tissues. Hardened arteries can cause circulation problems in these areas of the body. The renal arteries supply blood to your kidneys.
Kidneys filter waste products and extra water from your blood. Atherosclerosis of these arteries may lead to kidney failure. Lifestyle changes can help to prevent as well as treat atherosclerosis, especially for people with type 2 diabetes.
You may see improvement in your health with treatment, but this may take time. The success of your treatment will depend on:. You can work up to that goal if you need to—start with just 10 minutes per day. If walking for fitness isn't for you, try an activity such as swimming , biking, or yoga. Eat well. A heart-healthy diet —which is also good for your arteries—should include plentiful amounts of fruits and vegetables four to five daily servings of each , along with legumes and whole grains, instead of more processed grains, such as those in white bread and regular pasta.
Choose healthy fats—like those in olive and vegetable oils, avocados , fatty fish, nuts, and seeds—over saturated fat and trans fats. Keep a close eye on sweets, too. Added sugars , rather than those that occur naturally in fruits , can increase heart risks. The AHA recommends no more than 36 grams 9 teaspoons per day for men and no more than 25 grams 6 teaspoons per day for women. Though there's no direct link between sodium and stiffened arteries, limiting salty foods can help reduce high blood pressure.
If you smoke, work at stopping. Smoking stiffens arteries. It also raises your overall risk of heart disease, and the effect is especially strong in concert with other cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity or a poor diet.
As a science journalist, my goal is to empower consumers to make informed decisions about health products, practices, and treatments.
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