How can I find out how much plaque is in my arteries, and how can I get rid of it?

Best advice i can give you is what my wife told me, “go see your doctor, have blood drawn for tests and take the medications the doctor gives you”. i made the appointment. i am now taking Lipitor at night. only your doctor can give you the correct advice for you. what may be necessary medication for me, may not be necessary for you. but, i think you are a very smart person for being aware of your family’s heart history and wanting to take care of yourself. age 28 is still a young age and your doctor may not advise any medication for you. only the correct foods to eat and exercise. my doctor told me that every human being on the planet should be taking Lipitor. i could not help but wonder if he had an investment in this drug. anyway, you are on the right track to take care of you. if you have not had a physical in a year, you should have one. if there is a problem with you, its better to catch it at its earliest stages. john

There is a new test available called the coronary CT angiogram can detect calcium deposition as a marker for atherosclerosis. It is expensive, and you being 28 and in otherwise good health means you are likely not a candidate (unless you’ve had family members with serious heart events at a very young age). Another less expensive test is a treadmill stress test. If there is evidence of ischemia on the test, then you are referred for other testing.

There doesn’t seem to be any way to actually tell, but doctors get some evidence from the blood test and other forms of testing. My doctor apparently guesses, since she seems to be experimenting with the proper dose.

Nanotechnology might help here soon, I guess.

Or, you can get a CT angiogram, like I linked (or even an old fashioned angiogram)..... Doctors are also using tests that look for inflammation, because atherosclerosis is now considered to be an inflammatory condition.

I think I read somewhere that occasional doses of alcohol helps remove buildup of plaque in the blood and lower blood pressure. However I cannot remember my source, and there is no reason to become an alcoholic over it.

honey! it accually helps unclog you atteries.

@Ame_Evil: That is not true. Nothing can help remove plague in your arteries. Once plague has built up, it is there. Scientists are trying to create things that will eliminate it, but in the mean time we have to eat right and above all exercise! Alcohol dilates the arteries which means more blood flows to the heart and to the brain. This is only true after 1–2 drinks however. Once more than a few drinks are consumed, your body begins to fight the alcohol because it is a poison and your body wants it out.

Ultrasound of the neck is the most important check.

To eliminate the plaque: Atkins Diet, or a high protein high fat/no starch/sugar diet. lots of water.
cayenne pepper/garlic/hawthorn/lecithin pills

The Atkins diet is absolutely the worst choice for reducing plaque. The extra fat and cholesterol is and will be layered into plaques, making the situation worse. On the other hand, the so-called Reversal Diet favored by Dean Ornish does work.