Is there an accurate screening test to determine plaque buildup or artery blockages / atherosclerosis?

If so, what is it? I'm basically interested in whether or not I can go to a doctor and get an accurate test to determine if I have any blockages in my arteries that I need to be concerned about due to cholesterol and plaque build-up, etc. I have a family history of heart disease, and I'm in my mid-40's. I've had cardiac stress exams on the treadmill, and they came back "normal" for a man my age, but - is there a better diagnostic tool than that?

The next best test for you is a heart scan or calcium scan. A series of cross sectional images taken by a special CT scanner called EBT. Most 64-slice CT scanners can do the job, but not as accurate as an EBT scanner.

This test will tell you if you have any calcium in your coronary arteries and if so how much. At your age any amount of calcium means you are at risk. More calcium more possibility of plaque build up and more possibility of having one or more coronary artery blocked.

The test after that, if there is a lot of calcium build up is an angiogram with such CT scanner(s) that easily determins amount of blockage and/or plaque.

There are many centers near you, if you live in a big city. Contact them and make sure it is an EBT or at least a 64-slice. Anything less will give you tremendous amount of radiationa and an inaccurate test.

There's heart cauterization, us x rays, angiogram. My tests were normal also and I had an 80% occlussion and I'm only 43.

Ultrasound can be used also. I have had two carotid artery ultrasounds since 2000.