What Are the Types of Diagnostic Tests for PAD?

Besides a patient’s history of signs and symptoms, there are several tests to determine the severity of a patient’s Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). ABI, the Ankle Brachial Index, is a test where a health professional will take your blood pressure from both your upper and lower extremities. This simple test is useful to determine if you have PAD and how serious it is, but the ABI cannot determine where on your body the blockage or plaque buildup is located.

Although an ABI test is a simple and easy way to see if you have Peripheral Artery Disease, it is contraindicated in patients whose legs are afflicted with blood clots, meaning the test is not an option for these patients.

Vascular ultrasound is another testing method that is used as a diagnostic test for PAD. This technique is non-invasive and uses sound waves to form images that can be used to find blocked and narrowed vessels.

Doppler ultrasound evaluates blood vessels and blood flow in real-time. It is not painful and does not require contrast agents.

Catheter angiography is another test that can be done to confirm Peripheral Arterial Disease. 

The prefix “angio-” means blood or lymph vessels, while the suffix “-graphy” means to form a recording. This test uses contrast and X-rays to determine arterial blood flow and locate any arterial blood flow obstructions in the lower extremities. 

CT angiography uses a CT scan instead of X-rays to get a more detailed picture of arterial blood flow in the legs, as well as in the abdomen and pelvic region as well. This test is usually the preferred option for patients who have existing medical stents. 

MRI angiography uses MRI magnetic and radio waves to produce images as opposed to CT angiography, which uses “ionizing” radiation, or X-ray technology.

A trained vascular surgeon like Dr. David Nabi of NewportVascular.com will confirm the presence of PAD by utilizing the most appropriate testing technology for each patient’s unique situation. If you have a history of diabetes, a non-healing wound, pain in your extremities, or discoloration, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible to make sure that your symptoms are not attributed to PAD.

If you are overweight with high cholesterol, have a history of smoking, have heart disease, and experience pain while you walk that is alleviated by rest, you should immediately seek out one of these diagnostic tests to see if you have developed PAD.