Screening for Peripheral Vascular Disease in Phoenix, AZ

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) might not be a topic that comes up around the dinner table, but it’s worth knowing about. This common condition affects circulation, usually in the legs, and can have serious consequences if left untreated. Learn the signs of peripheral vascular disease and the screening methods doctors use to diagnose it.

What Is PVD?

Peripheral vascular disease occurs when blood vessels outside the heart and brain become narrow or blocked. This usually happens because of plaque buildup, which restricts blood flow. Think of it this way: healthy blood vessels are like smooth highways for your blood, but PVD creates traffic jams. When your muscles and tissues don’t get the oxygen-rich blood they need, they begin struggling, and you might start feeling the effects in your legs.

Peripheral Vascular Disease Symptoms

Here are the signs to watch for:

• Leg pain, cramping, or tiredness while walking
• Cold legs or feet
• Numbness or weakness in your lower extremities
• Weak pulse in the legs or feet
• Sores that don’t heal
• Shiny skin, hair loss, or slower toenail growth

How Is Peripheral Vascular Disease Diagnosed?

If you notice the above symptoms, it’s worth scheduling a screening for PVD. Here are the main methods doctors use to diagnose peripheral vascular disease:

• An ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a common and simple test that compares blood pressure in your ankle with blood pressure in your arm. Lower pressure in the ankle may indicate blocked arteries in your legs.
• A vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that reveals narrowing or blockages in your blood vessels.
• Blood tests can reveal whether you have high cholesterol, which increases the risk for PVD. This finding alone isn’t enough to diagnose PVD, but it’s a piece of the puzzle.
• An angiogram provides further clarity. It involves taking X-rays after injecting a special dye into your blood vessels, which makes them visible on the X-rays. Doctors use these clear, detailed images to identify blockages or narrowing.
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is like a regular MRI but with a focus on blood vessels. MRA helps doctors view your veins, arteries, organs, and other tissues with precision.

Why Screening for PVD Matters

Getting screened for PVD is important if you’re experiencing any symptoms or have risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Early detection is the key to preventing chronic leg pain, non-healing sores, and limb amputation in severe cases. The earlier your doctor identifies PVD, the sooner you can start effective treatment, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.

Take the First Step Toward Healthier Veins

The ultimate goal is to keep your veins healthy and your legs pain-free. Arizona Vein and Laser Institute can help. We know how PVD can impact your quality of life, so our world-renowned team provides skilled, compassionate care to help you get back to the activities you love. We make same-day appointments available whenever possible and offer transportation services for seniors who need it. With six convenient locations in the Phoenix area, scheduling your free consultation is easy. Contact us today to take the first step toward better vascular health!