Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Questions and answers

How will my doctor diagnose PAD?

Your doctor will ask you for a complete medical history and give you a physical exam. During your exam, your blood pressure, artery pulses and other measures of circulation will be checked. You will be asked if you have any of the symptoms and pain when you walk.

What tests may be ordered?

Doppler evaluation: A doppler probe is placed on your skin to tell if blood is flowing through an artery. This measures the blood pressure in your legs. You may be asked to walk on a treadmill and then have the doppler check again.

Duplex imaging: Sound waves are bounced off your arteries to produce an image of the vessel that shows its size and shape, as well as any blockage.
If you have an allergy to X-ray dye, iodine or shellfish, please tell your doctor.
Angiography and venogram: A special dye is injected into arteries or veins of your lower body. This X-ray procedure shows how blood is flowing, and provides detailed pictures of narrowed or blocked arteries and veins. You may feel a warm or burning sensation as the dye is injected. Learn more about angiograms...

What can I do to help my PAD?

The same risk factors that put you at risk for heart disease or stroke put you at risk for PAD: smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, personal or family history of heart disease or stroke.

You may be able to control or slow mild peripheral artery disease (PAD) by changing basic lifestyle habits, exercising and limiting your risk factors. You can do the following:

If you smoke, stop now. Smoking is the most important risk factor for PAD.
Eat a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat. If the blood fats remain high, talk with your doctor about medicines that may lower them.
Participate in a walking program.
Watch your blood pressure.
Lose weight if you are overweight.
If you have diabetes, work to keep your blood glucose in good control. People with diabetes are at greater risk for PVD because of the damage that diabetes can do to blood vessels. Check with your doctor if you are having problems with your diabetes.

Good foot care is important for people with PAD. Here are some tips:

Check your feet every day for sores, cracks, etc.
Wash your feet with slightly warm water every day. Do not soak them because they will dry out.
Always check inside your shoes for worn areas or things that might cause sores on your feet. Ask your doctor about special shoes.
Use lotion and cream for dry skin, but not between your toes.
Cut your toenails straight across and smooth out sharp edges. You may need a podiatrist to help you with this, especially if you have severe PVD.
Wear shoes and socks even when inside to protect your feet.
If you develop a sore that doesn't heal, call your doctor.