artery screening test preparation

Overview

An artery screening test is a medical check-up that looks for narrowed or blocked arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. The test often uses sound waves (ultrasound) or blood pressure measurements to see how well blood flows through your arteries. It can help find problems early, before they cause serious health issues.

Artery screening is fairly common for people with risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or being over 50. It is also done if you have symptoms of artery disease, such as leg pain when walking.

Artery screening is mainly for adults, especially those with risk factors for artery disease. It is sometimes recommended for older adults, people with a family history of heart disease, or those who smoke or have diabetes. It is rare in children unless they have a genetic condition.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain or cramping in your legs when you walk (claudication)
• Numbness or weakness in your legs or feet
• Coldness in one foot compared to the other
• Sores on your toes or feet that heal slowly

Symptoms in children

• Artery screening in children is very rare, but if needed, it may be for symptoms like unexplained leg pain, poor growth, or high blood pressure early in life.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have the same symptoms as others, but they are more likely to have other health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure that increase the need for screening.

Causes

Main causes

• Artery disease is most often caused by atherosclerosis – a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the artery walls. This narrows the artery and reduces blood flow.

Risk factors

• Smoking or using tobacco
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Being over 50
• Having a family history of heart disease or stroke
• Being overweight or obese
• Not getting enough physical activity

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden leg pain, a pale or cold leg, or a leg that feels numb – these can be signs of a sudden artery blockage and need immediate medical help.
• If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number right away.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Talk to your doctor about an artery screening if you have risk factors like smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of artery disease.
• If you have leg pain when walking that goes away with rest, mention it at your next check-up.
• Some people may be offered screening as part of a routine health check for heart and blood vessel health.

Diagnosis

Artery screening tests are used to check for artery disease. They are not a diagnosis of a specific condition but can show if your arteries have narrowed or blocked areas. If the screening finds a problem, your doctor will do more tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Tests that may be done

• Ankle-brachial index (ABI) – blood pressure cuffs on your arm and ankle measure the difference.
• Doppler ultrasound – sound waves create pictures of blood flow in your arteries.
• CT angiography – a special X-ray that looks at arteries in detail (less common for screening).

What to expect at your appointment

For most artery screening tests, you will be awake and lying down. The doctor or technician will place a small ultrasound device with gel on your skin over the artery being checked. You may have blood pressure cuffs on your arms and legs. The test is painless. You may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for a few hours, and to avoid smoking and caffeine before the test. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. The whole appointment usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and you can go home right after.

Treatment

If your artery screening shows narrowed or blocked arteries, treatment focuses on improving blood flow and reducing your risk of heart attack, stroke, or other complications. Treatment often starts with lifestyle changes and medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. In some cases, a procedure may be needed to open the blocked artery.

Self-care at home

• Stop smoking – your doctor can help you find support to quit.
• Walk regularly – even short walks can improve symptoms and overall health.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Manage your weight – losing even a small amount of weight can help.
• Control other health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes by following your doctor's advice.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, prevent blood clots, or manage diabetes. Exact medicines depend on your individual needs. Always take them exactly as prescribed. Never change or stop a medicine without talking to your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

If lifestyle changes and medicines are not enough, or if the blockage is very severe, a procedure such as angioplasty (inserting a small balloon to widen the artery) or bypass surgery (creating a new route for blood flow) may be recommended. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks with you.

Living with this condition

After artery screening, if you have artery disease, you can still live a full and active life. The key is to follow your treatment plan and attend regular check-ups. Many people manage their condition well with lifestyle changes and medications.

Lifestyle tips

• Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Stay physically active – aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or hobbies.
• Keep all medical appointments and take medicines as directed.

Diet and exercise

A heart-healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and lean meats. Cut back on salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Exercise, especially walking, can improve blood flow and reduce symptoms. Start slowly and build up gradually. Your doctor or a physiotherapist can help you create a safe plan.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Learning you have artery disease can be worrying. It is normal to feel anxious or stressed. Talk to your healthcare provider about your feelings. They can support you and, if needed, refer you to a counsellor or support group.

Prevention

Artery disease can often be prevented or delayed by making healthy choices. Screening itself does not prevent disease, but it can catch problems early so they can be treated before they become serious. The best prevention is a healthy lifestyle.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines to prevent artery disease. However, staying up to date on other vaccines (like flu and pneumonia) is a good idea for overall health, especially if you have a chronic condition.

Screening programmes

Artery screening is used to detect disease early, but it is not recommended for everyone. Talk to your doctor about whether screening is right for you based on your risk factors and symptoms. If you have a high risk, regular screening can help monitor your artery health.

Complications

If left untreated

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Severe leg pain that limits walking
• Non-healing sores on the legs or feet
• Infection or gangrene (tissue death), which can lead to amputation

Long-term outlook

The outlook for artery disease is generally good if it is caught early and managed well. Many people with artery disease live long, active lives by making lifestyle changes and taking medications as prescribed. Even if the condition is more advanced, treatments are available to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of serious problems. Work closely with your healthcare team to get the best results.

Find support

Local organisations

• Ask your healthcare provider or local health service for information about heart disease support groups in your area.

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