Checking for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) typically involves a combination of physical exams and diagnostic tests performed by a healthcare professional. Here's how you can check for PAD:
Diagnostic Methods for PAD
Several methods are used to diagnose PAD. Here are the primary approaches:
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Blood Tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to assess risk factors for PAD, such as high cholesterol and high blood sugar levels. These tests don't directly diagnose PAD, but they help evaluate your overall cardiovascular health.
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Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): This is a common and non-invasive test used to diagnose PAD.
- During an ABI, your doctor measures the blood pressure in your ankle and in your arm.
- The ratio of these two measurements is calculated.
- A low ABI suggests PAD.
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Ultrasound: An ultrasound of your legs or feet can help visualize the arteries and identify any blockages or narrowing. This is a non-invasive imaging technique.
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Angiography: This is a more invasive procedure that involves injecting a dye into your arteries and taking X-rays. It provides detailed images of the blood vessels and can identify the location and severity of any blockages. There are different types of angiography:
- Catheter Angiography: Dye is injected through a catheter inserted into an artery.
- CT Angiography (CTA): Dye is injected during a CT scan to create detailed images.
- MR Angiography (MRA): Dye is injected during an MRI to visualize the arteries.
What to Expect During the Evaluation
The process of checking for PAD typically involves the following:
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Medical History and Physical Exam: Your doctor will ask about your medical history, including any risk factors for PAD (smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history of PAD or heart disease). They will also perform a physical exam, checking for signs of PAD, such as weak or absent pulses in your legs or feet, sores that don't heal, or changes in skin color or temperature.
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Diagnostic Testing: Based on your medical history and physical exam, your doctor may recommend one or more of the diagnostic tests described above.
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Interpretation of Results: Your doctor will interpret the results of the tests and discuss them with you. If PAD is diagnosed, they will recommend a treatment plan based on the severity of your condition.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it's important to see a doctor to get checked for PAD:
- Leg pain or cramping during exercise (claudication)
- Numbness or weakness in your legs or feet
- Coldness in your lower leg or foot
- Sores on your toes, feet, or legs that won't heal
- Changes in the color of your skin on your legs or feet
- Hair loss on your legs or feet
- Weak or absent pulse in your legs or feet
Early diagnosis and treatment of PAD can help prevent serious complications, such as heart attack, stroke, and amputation.
