screening for artery

Overview

Artery screening is a series of checks that look for early signs of narrowed or blocked arteries. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Over time, a waxy substance called plaque can build up inside the artery walls, a condition often called atherosclerosis. Screening can help find this buildup early, before it causes serious problems like a heart attack or stroke.

Yes. Atherosclerosis is very common, especially as people get older. Many people don't know they have plaque in their arteries until it causes a problem, which is why screening can be so valuable.

Artery screening is most often recommended for adults over 40, especially those with risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, or a family history of heart disease. It is less common in children, unless they have a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Most people with early artery disease have no symptoms at all.
• If symptoms do appear, they may include chest pain or pressure when active.
• Leg pain, cramping, or heaviness when walking that goes away with rest (a sign of peripheral artery disease).
• Shortness of breath, especially with activity.
• Feeling tired or weak in the legs.

Symptoms in children

• Artery screening is rarely needed in children.
• In very rare cases, a child with a genetic lipid disorder may need screening, but symptoms are usually not present.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults are more likely to have plaque buildup, but symptoms may still be absent.
• If symptoms do occur, they may be mistaken for normal aging, like leg tiredness or shortness of breath.
• Always discuss new or unusual symptoms with a healthcare provider.

Causes

Main causes

• Atherosclerosis: a buildup of cholesterol, fat, and other substances inside the artery walls
• Inflammation in the arteries, which can damage the inner lining
• Genetic conditions that cause very high cholesterol levels

Risk factors

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol (especially LDL, or 'bad' cholesterol)
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Diabetes or prediabetes
• Being overweight or obese
• A diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats
• Not getting regular physical activity
• Older age
• Family history of early heart disease or stroke

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number right away.
• If you have new chest pain or unusual shortness of breath, seek same-day medical care.
• If a leg becomes pale, cold, or painful, or you can't feel a pulse, get urgent care.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are over 40 and have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking, talk to a healthcare provider about screening.
• If you have a family history of early heart attacks or strokes, ask about screening even if you feel fine.
• If you experience leg pain when walking that goes away with rest, mention it at your next check-up.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will start by asking about your medical history, lifestyle, and family history. They will check your blood pressure and listen to your pulse. They may order blood tests to check cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Based on your risk, they might recommend additional imaging tests to look inside your arteries.

Tests that may be done

• Blood pressure check (in both arms if needed)
• Blood tests to measure cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar
• Ankle-brachial index: a test that compares blood pressure in your ankle and arm
• Carotid ultrasound: a painless scan that looks at the arteries in your neck
• Coronary calcium scan: a CT scan that finds calcium in the walls of the heart arteries
• CT angiogram: a special scan that creates detailed pictures of your arteries after a contrast dye is injected

What to expect at your appointment

Most screening tests take less than an hour. They usually involve lying still on a table while a small probe or scanner passes over the area. You may be asked to fast for blood tests. There is no recovery time, and you can return to normal activities right away. Your provider will review the results with you and explain what they mean.

Treatment

If screening shows early artery disease, treatment will be tailored to your situation. The main goals are to slow or stop plaque buildup, lower your risk of heart attack or stroke, and relieve any symptoms. Treatment usually combines heart-healthy habits and, if needed, medications. In certain cases, a procedure may be recommended to reopen a narrowed artery.

Self-care at home

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Limit foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats
• Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, as approved by your provider
• Manage stress with breathing exercises, mindfulness, or hobbies
• Take medications exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider

Medical treatments

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help control high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, manage diabetes, or reduce the risk of blood clots. These medicines are not cures, but they work together with lifestyle changes to protect your arteries. Always take medicines as directed and discuss any concerns with your provider — never stop or change a prescription on your own.

When is surgery considered?

If an artery is severely narrowed or blocked, and medicines and lifestyle changes are not enough, a provider might recommend a procedure. Options include angioplasty (stretching the artery with a small balloon and placing a mesh tube called a stent) or bypass surgery (creating a new path for blood to flow). These are not first-line treatments, but they can be lifesaving when needed.

Living with this condition

Living with artery disease means paying attention to your body and keeping up with regular check-ups. Some people find it helpful to track their blood pressure or blood sugar at home. It's important to take all medications as prescribed, attend scheduled appointments, and tell your healthcare team about any changes in how you feel. With good management, many people continue to live active and full lives.

Lifestyle tips

• Know your numbers: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight
• Set small, realistic goals for physical activity
• Find a quitting tool that works for you if you smoke
• Limit alcohol to recommended levels
• Get enough sleep — aim for 7 to 9 hours a night
• Build a support system of family, friends, and healthcare professionals

Diet and exercise

A heart-healthy diet focuses on whole foods and limits processed items. Choose vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, fish, and whole grains. Use healthy oils like olive oil in moderation. Reduce salt and sugar. For exercise, start with simple activities like walking, swimming, or cycling. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have already been diagnosed with artery disease. Build up gradually — even 10-minute sessions count.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A screening result that shows artery disease can be stressful. Many people feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed. These feelings are normal. It can help to talk about them with your provider, a counselor, or a trusted friend. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your heart. If you are feeling hopeless or very down, reach out for support — do not keep it to yourself.

Prevention

You can't always prevent artery disease, because factors like age and family history play a role. But you can sharply reduce your risk with healthy habits. Even if you already have some plaque buildup, you can prevent it from getting worse. The most powerful steps are not smoking, eating well, staying active, managing stress, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents artery disease. However, staying up to date on recommended vaccines, such as flu and pneumococcal vaccines, is important. Illnesses like the flu can stress your heart and increase your risk of complications if you already have artery disease.

Screening programmes

Regular health check-ups are a form of screening. Your healthcare provider may recommend periodic blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and blood sugar tests based on your age and risk factors. These can catch problems early, before they cause symptoms. Ask your provider how often you should be screened.

Complications

If left untreated

• Plaque can grow large enough to block blood flow completely, causing a heart attack.
• A piece of plaque can break off and travel to the brain, causing a stroke.
• Blocked arteries in the legs can lead to pain, poor wound healing, and even amputation in severe cases.
• Damaged arteries can lead to kidney damage or vision loss over time.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for artery disease is more hopeful than ever. With early screening and modern treatments, many people slow or stop the disease and live long, active lives. The key is to work with your healthcare team, make lasting lifestyle changes, and follow your treatment plan. Every step you take toward better health can make a real difference.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.