Peripheral Arterial Screening (Ankle-Brachial Index, Arterial Duplex)
Our arteries are responsible for the delivery of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to our organs and tissues. When enriched blood is unable to flow through your arteries normally, it is classified as peripheral vascular disease or P.A.D. The term peripheral refers to things away from the core of a thing, such as your body. This condition can lead to poor circulation to the extremities, atherosclerosis, and hardening of the arteries. In the majority of cases, P.A.D. will manifest symptoms in the form of leg pain.
Peripheral Arterial Screening Can Help Treatment Start Early
When P.A.D. goes untreated, leg pain is a common outcome. With it comes pain in the feet while resting, difficulty walking, and sores or infections that don’t heal in the feet. This can lead to a loss of limbs through amputation. When P.A.D. is present, there’s a possibility that other conditions are present. These can include heart attacks, renal failure, and problems in the carotid arteries that could lead to stroke.
This condition is one that tends to be underdiagnosed, leading to a lack of treatment. There’s a misconception that pain in the legs is just a common sign of aging. It can also be a potential symptom of P.A.D. Recognizing the symptoms can help you know when it’s time to speak to your doctor about P.A.D. Screening.
Those who are over 50 who are experiencing leg pain and have any of the following risk factors should speak to Dr. Gottam about P.A.D.
P.A.D. Risk Factors:
- Current or previous smoker
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Family history of P.A.D.
- Family history of Stroke or Heart Attack
- Diabetes
- High Cholesterol
If Dr. Gottam determines that you’re at risk of P.A.D., a number of tests may be ordered to obtain a diagnosis. The possible tests include:
- Ankle-Brachial Index (A.B.I.) – This test compares the blood pressure in your arm and ankle. In the absence of P.A.D., the pressure in both locations is usually the same. If you have lower blood pressure in your ankle, it may be due to narrowing leg arteries.
- Doppler Ultrasound – Block arteries can be identified using ultrasound technology. Also known as angiography, this can help identify the pattern of blockages and where they’re located. This can provide important information for identifying proper treatment of the artery.
Once a confirmed diagnosis is reached, a treatment plan can begin being made.
Treatment Options for Peripheral Arterial Disease
There are numerous approaches to treating this condition. Dr. Gottam will work with you to determine the right treatment option for you. Treatment options range from more conservative approaches, such as medication, diet changes, and lifestyle changes, including exercise. If these steps fail to produce positive results, more involved treatments may be suggested. Surgery is among the potential options aimed at improving blood flow through the extremities. Speak to us about the options available, schedule an appointment at Peripheral Arterial Screening in Detroit, MI. Our team of cardiovascular specialists is here to help!
