Vascular Ultrasound
Ankle Brachial Index (A.B.I.)
Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.)
Peripheral Artery Disease, or P.A.D.,is typically described as poor circulation to the legs and is a serious problem for people with diabetes and smokers are more likely to develop it. Poor circulation in the arteries of legs may also be a warning sign of a similar problem in the arteries leading to the heart or brain.
When the arteries in the legs—or any other part of your body—begin to narrow from plaque, the flow of oxygen-rich blood is restricted. (Plaque is a buildup of cholesterol and other materials in the walls of the arteries.) If the plaque ruptures, microscopic particles in the blood called platelets can clump together, causing clots to form. When these clots block the flow of blood to the heart or brain, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Two tests are offered by Complete Diagnostic Services to identify this possible serious disease:
Ankle Brachial Index or otherwise known as ABI:
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This test is done by measuring blood pressure at the ankle and in the arm while a person is at rest.
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Follow-up test on a second day may be required to repeat the measurements at both sites after 5 minutes of walking on a treadmill.
If there is a drop in the readings on the test above then a
Vascular ultrasound is performed to:
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help monitor the blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body
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locate and identify blockages (stenosis) and abnormalities like blood clots, plaque or emboli and help plan for their effective treatment
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determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty
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to plan or evaluate the success of procedures that graft or bypass blood vessels
Patient Preparation:
None is required.