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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor will first perform a physical exam if you think you have atherosclerosis. You'll have your blood pressure checked to see if you have high blood pressure, a common sign of atherosclerosis. Your doctor may also listen to the blood flowing through your arteries using a stethoscope to see if there are any abnormalities.
One of the most common tests doctors perform when checking for atherosclerosis is a blood test to check your cholesterol level and blood sugar. You'll need to go without eating or drinking anything but water for nine to 12 hours before your blood test. Your doctor should tell you ahead of time if this test will be performed during your visit.
If your doctor thinks you have atherosclerosis, you may need more tests to confirm the diagnosis.
