Question 1

Can a Blood Test Detect Peripheral Artery Disease?

Accepted Answer

A blood test alone cannot detect peripheral artery disease. However, a blood test can tell your medical provider if you live with certain PAD risk factors. For example, an A1C test, which measures your average blood sugar level over a period of time, can detect diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most significant risk factors for developing PAD.

A blood test known as a lipid panel checks your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Elevated cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels are a sign of elevated PAD risk.

If your doctor performs an ABI test but does not find any indication of PAD, a blood test can help measure your risk of developing it in the future. With this information, your provider can prescribe medications and lifestyle changes to help lower your PAD risk.

Question 2

How Can I Test My Leg Circulation at Home?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor blood flow to the legs. There are a few ways to check for poor leg circulation at home, but it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis.

- Check for color changes, temperature changes, and slow-healing wounds. If your legs or feet are pale, cold, or have slow-healing wounds, it could be a sign of poor circulation.
- Check the pulses in your feet and ankles. The pulse in your ankle is called the posterior tibial pulse. It is located just behind the ankle on the inner part of your foot. Use your pointer finger and middle finger to gently press the area, feeling for a pulse. If the pulse is weak or you can’t feel it, see a doctor.
- Check the pedal pulse on the top of your foot. Place your pointer and middle fingers on the top of your foot. Starting just below your big toe, gently press on your skin. Move closer to the ankle until you find the pulse. If you cannot locate the pulse or the pulse is weak, see a doctor.

It is important to note that a weak or absent pulse is not necessarily a sure sign of arterial blockage. Feeling pulses can be tricky, and it is possible that you may not be able to feel a pulse even if your circulation is good. If you have any concerns about your leg circulation, see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Here are some additional tips for checking your leg circulation at home:

- Do the checks on both legs.
- Check your legs when they are warm.
- If you have diabetes, check your legs more often.

However, there’s a downside to testing your leg circulation at home. A weak or absent pulse isn’t necessarily a sure sign of arterial blockage. Feeling pulses can be tricky due to a lack of experience or even differences in the anatomy of your foot. If you have any concerns, take them to a trusted medical provider or schedule a consultation for exact diagnosis.

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