Of adults are affected by PAD
Painless, in-office testing
Result that indicates PAD
Interventional radiologists
Consider screening even without symptoms if you have:
Early detection is key. Catching PAD early allows treatment before it advances — reducing the risk of critical limb ischemia, ulcers, and amputation, and lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke.
NON-INVASIVE
A simple, painless test that compares blood pressure in your ankle and arm. A normal ABI is about 0.9–1.3; a value below 0.9 indicates reduced blood flow and PAD.
NON-INVASIVE
Doppler ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize blood flow through the arteries, pinpointing the location of blockages, safely and without radiation.
CONTRAST IMAGING
Contrast dye plus CT imaging builds a detailed 3D view of your arterial system, allowing accurate assessment of narrowing throughout the legs.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE
Contrast dye and live X-ray produce the most detailed images of the arteries and allow treatment to be performed in the same setting when needed.
NON-INVASIVE
A radiation-free alternative to angiography that uses magnetic fields to assess blood flow and artery health in detail.
LAB WORK
Lab work evaluates risk factors behind PAD; cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation markers, to round out the picture and guide your plan.
Reduced blood flow to the legs on the ankle-brachial index.
Ultrasound or angiography shows narrowing in the arteries.
Claudication, non-healing wounds, or other signs.
In mild cases the prognosis is generally good. With regular exercise, no smoking, a heart-healthy diet, and management of blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, many patients control symptoms and slow the disease's progression.
If blood flow becomes severely restricted, PAD can lead to non-healing wounds, infection, and gangrene. It's estimated that about one-quarter of untreated patients may ultimately require limb amputation — and PAD also raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Lifestyle changes
Quitting smoking, more activity,
and a heart-healthy diet.
Medication
To ease symptoms and manage
cholesterol and blood pressure.
Minimally invasive treatment
Angioplasty or stenting to restore
blood flow when needed.
| Test | Invasiveness | Contrast dye | Radiation | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) FIRST STEP | Non-invasive | No | No | Fast screening & diagnosis |
| Duplex ultrasound | Non-invasive | No | No | Locating blockages |
| CT angiography | Non-invasive | Yes | Yes | Detailed 3D artery mapping |
| MRA | Non-invasive | Sometimes | No | Radiation-free imaging |
| Compression & medication | Minimally invasive | Yes | No | Diagnose + treat together |
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Plano, TX 75024
6620 Bryant Irvin Road
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Fort Worth, TX 76132
A PAD diagnosis is the process of identifying and evaluating peripheral artery disease using a combination of your medical history, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests. The goal is to detect arterial blockages, measure their impact on blood flow, and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
The ankle-brachial index is a simple, painless test that compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm. A normal ABI is roughly 0.9 to 1.3; a value below 0.9 indicates reduced blood flow and is a sign of PAD.
Possibly. PAD often develops gradually and can be present without symptoms, especially early on. People with significant risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of vascular disease, should consider regular screening even if they feel fine.
Most are not. The ABI, duplex ultrasound, and MRA are non-invasive and painless. CT angiography uses contrast dye, and catheter angiography is minimally invasive — done through a tiny catheter — and is usually reserved for detailed mapping or when treatment may be performed at the same time.
In mild cases the prognosis is generally good, especially with lifestyle changes and treatment. PAD is a chronic condition that tends to worsen if left untreated, and severe cases can lead to non-healing wounds, infection, or limb loss. Early diagnosis and ongoing management significantly improve outcomes and life expectancy.
Your provider builds a personalized plan to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve blood flow. Depending on severity, this may combine lifestyle changes, medication, and minimally invasive treatments like angioplasty or stent placement, plus regular follow-up to monitor your progress.
Medically appropriate PAD testing is covered by most major insurance plans and Medicare, particularly when you have symptoms or risk factors. Our team verifies your benefits ahead of time so you'll know what to expect.
Scheduling
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