Arteries and veins work to carry blood to and from your heart. Your doctor may recommend an Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) if you experience leg pain while walking or exercising. There are several tests to examine blood flow in your arms and legs that can tell your physician if there are any blockages or narrow passages in your veins or arteries. If your veins are not working properly, you may be diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). If your arteries are not working properly you may be diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Dr. P. Phillips Hospital offers two types of non-invasive peripheral vascular testing methods, including a Venous Doppler and an Ankle Brachial Index.

 

Arteries carry blood away from the heart, and an ABI (Ankle Brachial Index) will tell your doctor if the arteries are functioning properly or if you are at risk for arterial disease. This non-invasive test is done by measuring the blood pressure in the arm and at your ankle. The ABI is calculated by dividing the highest blood pressure at the ankle by the highest blood pressure in either arm.

You will be asked to lie on your back for this test. Applying warm gel, a doppler ultrasound is used to record pulses in specific areas of the legs and arms. Blood pressure cuffs will be applied to the arms and legs to measure arterial pressures.

Our exams are read that afternoon and your physician will be notified of the result. This normally takes 3-4 business days. Your physician’s office will notify you if further testing is recommended.

Veins carry blood into your heart. A Venous Doppler is an ultrasound test that uses sound waves to examine problems with veins and blood flow. A technician, or sonographer, will perform the test by passing a small instrument called a transducer over your arms or legs. The transducer sends sound waves into the body, which are reflected back and recorded. The resulting image can help your doctor determine if your veins are functioning properly.

PREPARATION

• Non-fasting test.
• Do not skip your medicine.
• if applicable you will be asked to remove your shirt, pants, socks and shoes
• Test will last approximately 1- 1½ hours.
• No drugs or dye injected.
• Wear comfortable shoes, you may be asked to walk in the hall for 5 minutes.

Patients that experience leg pain in one or both calves, thighs, or hips.  However, only about half the patients that have peripheral vascular disease actually experience symptoms.

Physicians order patients to undergo peripheral vascular tests when they suspect a problem with a patient’s circulation or blood flow throughout the body. 

To verify there are no significant blood clots in a patient’s arteries or veins.