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Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) of Vessels

Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the normal smooth appearance of the large blood vessel (aorta) that carries blood from the heart.

Figure 3 shows a narrowed and abnormal aorta from the buildup of calcium and fat (cholesterol) in the inner lining of the artery, often called "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis).

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
Last Revised June 30, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: June 30, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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