What’s the Best Way to Assess the Condition of My Arteries?

Arterial blockages often develop without obvious symptoms. Sometimes, these narrowings restrict blood flow until serious problems arise that require intervention.

At Advanced Cardiovascular Care, Inc., in Riverside, California, board-certified cardiologist Syed W. Bokhari, MD, FACC, FSVM, helps patients evaluate their arterial health before symptoms worsen.

Regular screenings detect problems before symptoms appear

Your arteries can naturally narrow with age. Plaque — a mixture of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and cellular waste — accumulates along your blood vessel walls, restricting blood flow to vital organs.

These blockages can occur throughout your body, from coronary arteries feeding your heart to peripheral vessels in your legs and carotid arteries supplying your brain.

Different screening methods provide valuable information:

• Ankle-brachial index indicates leg circulation problems
• Ultrasound duplex can screen for blockages in the neck and legs
• CT scan for coronary calcium score can suggest heart disease
• CT with contrast can diagnose blockages in the neck, heart and legs
• Conventional angiography can diagnose and treat (angioplasty/stenting) blockages

These tests can help identify hidden blockages even when you feel completely normal and experience no symptoms.

Blood tests reveal risk factors for arterial disease

While imaging tests show existing blockages, blood work identifies contributing factors:

• Cholesterol panels measure lipid components
• Inflammatory markers indicate blood vessel damage
• Glucose levels reveal diabetes-related risks

Understanding these underlying factors allows Dr. Bokhari to target treatment precisely and prevent new blockages from forming.

When do you need advanced imaging?

Don’t ignore warning signs that suggest your arteries need closer examination. Dr. Bokhari recommends advanced imaging when you experience:

• Chest discomfort during physical activity that subsides with rest
• Leg pain or cramping that consistently appears during walking that goes away with rest
• Unexplained dizziness, especially when accompanied by exertion
• Shortness of breath that seems disproportionate to your activity level
• Persistent fatigue that interferes with daily activities

These symptoms aren’t always obvious — many patients dismiss them as normal aging or being "out of shape." But they often indicate restricted blood flow that basic screening tests might miss.

Traditional angiography provides definitive answers

If you experience concerning symptoms or receive abnormal test results, catheter-based angiography remains the gold standard. 

Dr. Bokhari threads a catheter through a blood vessel, typically starting in your groin or wrist, and injects contrast dye to visualize blockages more easily. This procedure takes 30-60 minutes and allows for immediate intervention if necessary.

Early detection leads to better treatment options

Finding arterial problems early means more treatment choices with less invasion. Many patients with early-stage blockages can avoid procedures entirely through medication and lifestyle modifications.

Don’t wait for symptoms to become severe. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bokhari today to determine your optimal arterial assessment strategy. Call Advanced Cardiovascular Care, Inc. or book an appointment online to protect your vascular health.