Exams and Tests

If your doctor thinks that you may have peripheral arterial disease (PAD), he or she will examine you for physical signs of the disease and will ask about your personal and family medical history. This is a good time to talk with your doctor about any symptoms you have noticed.

Diagnostic tests

Tests you may have to confirm PAD include:

• Pulse and blood pressure checks in different areas of your body. Your doctor may also look at the color of your foot when it is elevated and after you exercise.
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI) test. This test helps find out how narrow your arteries are. It can also measure blood flow through the arteries.
• Doppler ultrasound. It may be used instead of the ankle-brachial index to measure blood flow in the arteries.
• Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) or computerized tomography (CT) angiography. These tests can also help diagnose PAD.

Tests for other health problems

Your doctor may also do other tests to find out if you have health problems that can cause PAD or make it worse. When you have PAD, you are at high risk for coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. You may have tests for:

• Cholesterol.
• Blood pressure.
• Blood glucose, which tests for diabetes.