Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
Like a regular ultrasound, this test uses sound waves to detect blockages and narrowing of the carotid artery, both of which can lead to a heart attack or a stroke.
Electron-Beam Computed Tomography
An EBCT is a super-fast scan that provides a snapshot of the calcium buildup in your coronary arteries, an indication of plaque. It can detect atherosclerosis in young people who don't yet have a significant blockage. "The beauty of EBCT is that it can pick up heart disease before it's symptomatic," says Joan Briller, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Illinois.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Blood Test
C-reactive protein is a marker for inflammation in the arterial walls. "The presence of inflammation identifies a plaque that's prone to rupturing," says Sidney Smith, MD, chief science officer of the American Heart Association. And ruptured plaques lead to blood clots. In one study at Harvard University, women with the highest levels of C-reactive protein had four times the risk of cardiovascular problems as women with lower levels.
