The evaluation of atherosclerosis begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in those with atherosclerosis may include:

• Weak pulses in the feet and hands
• Loss of hair on the fingers and toes
• Loss of sensation in the feet
• Damage to the arteries within the retina of the eye
• Xanthelasma
• Fatty deposits in the skin.

Tests may be required to make the diagnosis of atherosclerosis.

Tests that may be used to evaluate atherosclerosis include:

• Ankle-brachial index:
• Looks for different blood pressures in the arms and legs
• Arteriography: a very specific x-ray dye study of various arteries, such as:
• Leg
• Pelvis
• Kidney
• Brain
• Carotid angiogram: evaluates the neck arteries
• Carotid ultrasound
• Doppler duplex ultrasound or angiodynography
• MRI angiography: can give detailed images of arteries
• Coronary angiography
• CT scanning of the heart
• CT scanning of the arteries in the brain

Blood tests used to evaluate atherosclerosis may include:

• C-reactive protein
• Cholesterol level
• HDL level
• LDL level
• Homocysteine level
• Triglyceride level
• Coagulation profile