Peripheral Arterial Disease Test

The Peripheral Artery Disease Testing procedure is commonly referred to as an ABI or Ankle-Brachial Index. In this test you will lie on your back while a technologist obtains the blood pressure in your legs and arms using a completely non-invasive ultrasonic device. Once obtained, the pressures of your legs will be compared to that of your arms in a ratio indicating how well blood flows to the legs for a simple, reliable, and safe detector of PAD.

What is PAD?

Peripheral Artery Disease or PAD is a common, yet serious, circulatory problem in which a narrowing of the arteries in your arms and legs leads to reduced blood flow to the extremities. This narrowing develops when your arteries become clogged with fatty deposits known as plaque.

Symptoms and Risk Factors of PAD

The most common symptom of PAD is muscle pain or cramping in your legs or arms that's triggered by cardiovascular activity, such as walking, but disappears after a few minutes of rest. This pain or cramping is often mistaken for something else and as a result PAD can often go undiagnosed for some time. It is important to diagnose PAD early as those with PAD are at four to five times more risk for heart disease and stroke. Many times plaque can build up with mild or no symptoms but there are factors which will increase your risk of developing Peripheral Artery Disease

How to prepare for your wellness test

Do not wear pantyhose. Please wear a short-sleeved shirt.