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Treatment
Atherosclerosis is not generally investigated unless it causes clinical symptoms/signs. While it is not possible to visualise the plaque within the wall of the artery, it is possible to measure its effects through either a [[doppler ultrasond]] or an [[angiogram]]. A ''doppler ultrasound'' measures the flow of blood through an artery using a probe which is placed on the skin. An angiogram involves injecting arteries with radioopaque dye, and then taking x-rays to identify any areas of constriction.
Atherosclerosis is not generally investigated unless it causes clinical symptoms/signs. While it is not possible to visualise the plaque within the wall of the artery, it is possible to measure its effects through either a [[doppler ultrasond]] or an [[angiogram]]. A ''doppler ultrasound'' measures the flow of blood through an artery using a probe which is placed on the skin. An angiogram involves injecting arteries with radioopaque dye, and then taking x-rays to identify any areas of constriction.
Serum cholesterol is often routinely measured. Elevated levels (hypercholesterolemia) can indicate an increased risk of atherosclerosis, and a need for lifestyle modification or pharmacological treatment.
Serum cholesterol is often routinely measured. Elevated levels (hypercholesterolemia) can indicate an increased risk of atherosclerosis, and a need for lifestyle modification or pharmacological treatment. In general, high levels of LDL is associated with progressively worsening atherosclerosis, whereas high levels of HDL are associated with a reduction in atherosclerosis.
==Treatment==
Atheroscleosis is only directly treated if it is causing clinical symptoms/signs. Most of these cases are treated using a stent, a mesh tube which is passed into the artery and forces it open at point of stenosis. This stent is left in the body, and over time becomes incorporated into the artery wall. If a stent is unsuccessful or contraindicated, a patient may undergo bypass surgery, though this is generally reserved for the coronary and carotid arteries.
For most patients, treatment is aimed at reducing the risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia) in order to prevent the progression of and reduce atherosclerosis. This is commonly achieved through lifestyle modification, including improving one's diet, and increasing rates of physical exercise (to a minimum of 3 lots of 30 minute sessions each week). Pharmacological support may be given in the form of anti-hypertensives and anti-cholesterol medications.
==References==
==References==
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