To diagnose atherosclerosis, your doctor will first review your risk factors, including your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.If your risk level indicates possible atherosclerosis, your doctor will initially check for signs of diminished blood flow in arteries leading to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body, such as the legs. This may include checking for a diminished pulse or arterial bruits (the whooshing sound heard through a stethoscope when it’s placed over an artery).