Your doctor advises that you get a PAD test done if you show signs of peripheral arterial disease.
It’s crucial to prepare ahead of time and know where to go for a lab that provides these services like the PAD test. An arterial clog (in your feet and legs) causes peripheral artery disease, causing poor blood flow. This lack of blood flowing correctly can cause pain in your feet, legs, or hips. So how does this relate to you and your ankle? A PAD can restrict the blood supply to your ankle, which means it will not work as well as it should.
What is peripheral artery disease?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your feet and legs become narrow or blocked. It can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in your lower body. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects the arteries in your legs and feet. When you have PAD, your arteries lose elasticity and become stiff and narrow. It makes blood flow difficult. As a result, people with PAD are at higher risk for developing blood clots in their legs (deep vein thrombosis).
What is a PAD test for?
A peripheral artery disease (PAD) test is a blood test that can help your doctor diagnose and monitor this condition. If you have PAD, you may have leg pain when you walk, or your legs may feel weak or tired.
PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries of your legs and blocks blood flow to your feet and ankles. It can lead to severe complications, such as heart attack or stroke.
There are two PAD tests: an ankle-brachial index test and a pulse-wave velocity test. The ankle-brachial index test measures the pressure in each leg while at rest and after they’ve been pumped full of blood by exercise (which makes them more significant). The pulse-wave velocity test measures how fast sound travels through one or both of your main arteries in each leg (the femoral artery).
How does the PAD test work?
The PAD test is a noninvasive procedure that uses particular ultrasound waves to look for blockages in the arteries that supply blood to your legs.
A specially trained technician performs the test using an ultrasound machine to send sound waves through your skin and into your arteries. The engine uses the reflected sound waves to create images showing any narrowing or blockage.
There’s no pain during the test, but you may feel discomfort as the technician moves the probe around your ankle or thigh. This discomfort is usually minor and lasts only a few seconds. If you have an artificial limb, such as a prosthetic knee joint or artificial hip joint, these parts of your body should be covered with an ultrasound gel before testing begins.
Do I need to prepare for the test?
Yes, it would help if you prepared for the test.
You will need to fast for 4 hours before the test. Your blood pressure will be taken and recorded. You will also need to sign a consent form before the test.
How will my doctor analyze the results?
Your doctor will analyze the reports. They will look at the findings and any other information you have provided to determine whether or not you are at risk for PAD. Your doctor may recommend additional testing if they feel it is necessary.
Conclusion
PAD is a serious condition affecting your quality of life, so it’s essential to know if you’re at risk. A PAD test is often the earliest way to determine if you have a severe problem. The test can show whether you have peripheral artery disease (PAD). If you have the condition, the disease is treatable, but you should learn all you can and speak to your doctor immediately.
