Learning About Peripheral Artery Disease Diagnosis

Learning About Peripheral Artery Disease Diagnosis
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PAD

Peripheral artery disease is a blood vessel condition affecting millions of Americans. Nerves and other tissues may become injured from the decreased blood flow that results from blood vessel narrowing. If a patient is experiencing the symptoms of PAD, it is important that they contact their doctor for a peripheral artery disease diagnosis so that they can be diagnosed in a timely manner and begin any necessary treatment.

Examination

The patient’s diagnosis will begin with a full physical examination. During this examination, the patient’s doctor will be paying close attention in looking for:

  • With the stethoscope over an artery, a whooshing sound
  • Losing feet or leg hair
  • The affected limb having decreased blood pressure
  • The affected limb having an absent or weak pulse

If the patient has a more severe case of PAD, their doctor may find the following:

  • Calf muscles that shrink
  • Ulcers on the toes or feet that are not bleeding, but painful and slow healing
  • Shiny, tight skin
  • Toes or feet are blue in color
  • Skin paleness
  • Thick toenails

The doctor may take a blood pressure reading in the legs and arms and compare them.

As part of the physical examination, blood testing may show diabetes or high cholesterol.

Arteriography

An arteriography of the extremities is a diagnostic test using a contrast dye and an x-ray to look at the arteries in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. This procedure involves inserting a catheter into an artery through inserting it in the groin. Patients are awake, but may be sedated if necessary. Complications are possible, such as:

  • Being allergic to the dye used
  • Bleeding or a clot at the insertion point
  • Blood flow blockage
  • Blood vessel separation

Doppler Ultrasound

The doctor may have the patient’s extremities looked at with a Doppler ultrasound when making a peripheral artery disease diagnosis. During this test, the blood flow in the primary arm and leg veins and arteries is examined. This test is non-invasive and is done by using an ultrasound machine to look at the arteries in the extremities. There are no risks with this test.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography

This test is an MRI that looks at the blood vessels. This test is non-invasive and takes about an hour to complete. A contrast medium may be used and if one is used it will be introduced to the body through an IV. This test is generally safe, but there is a chance of being allergic to any contrast dyes used. An MRI involves being in an enclosed space for about an hour so those who do not tolerate closed-in spaces should let their technician know because an open MRI may be able to be used under these circumstances.

Resources

American Heart Association. (2010). About Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Retrieved on November 16, 2010 from the American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/PeripheralArteryDisease/About-Peripheral-Artery-Disease-PAD_UCM_301301_Article.jsp

MayoClinic.com. (2010). Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Retrieved on November 16, 2010 from MayoClinic.com: https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/peripheral-arterial-disease/DS00537