Screening for PAD is seldom done on asymptomatic patients or those with no known risk factors. PAD is commonly first found during a regular physical examination. Symptoms include:
- A weak or absent pulse below a narrowed area of your artery
- Whooshing sounds (bruits) over your arteries that can be heard with a stethoscope
- Evidence of poor wound healing in the area where your blood flow is restricted
- Decreased blood pressure in your affected limb
The doctor may also rely on ankle-brachial index (ABI) and angiography to diagnose PAD.
Additionally, tests to identify the risk of heart disease may also be used on an on-going basis.
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