Final answer:
An arteriogram will confirm occlusive arterial disease by displaying the location of arterial blockages and collateral circulation. This diagnostic tool is crucial for planning treatments, which may range from lifestyle changes and medications to surgical procedures like angioplasty, endarterectomy, or coronary bypass surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The arteriogram, also known as an angiogram, is an imaging test that will confirm the diagnosis of occlusive arterial disease by showing the location of the obstruction and the collateral circulation. This procedure involves the injection of a contrast dye into the arteries, which makes them visible on X-rays. It can reveal blockages in the arteries that lead to conditions like ischemia (decreased blood flow) and hypoxia (insufficient oxygen) that may result in myocardial infarction if not treated.
Treatment options for arterial blockages typically include lifestyle changes such as adopting a diet low in sodium and saturated fats, exercising regularly, and ceasing smoking. Medications to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure may also be prescribed. More advanced cases may require surgical interventions like angioplasty, endarterectomy, or coronary bypass surgery to alleviate the blockage and restore normal blood flow.
Angioplasty involves using a catheter to widen the constricted area in the artery, often followed by the placement of a stent to keep the vessel open. An endarterectomy is a surgical procedure where plaque is removed from the arterial walls and is commonly performed on carotid arteries. During a coronary bypass surgery, an alternative pathway is created around the occluded artery to restore blood flow.