Arterial Evaluation

What is it?

An Arterial Evaluation of the legs is a noninvasive procedure used to screen for peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or blockages in the arteries.

What can I expect during the examination?

The technologist will wrap a blood pressure cuff around each ankle, calf and thigh, and measure the blood pressure at these levels. By analyzing measurements made with blood pressure cuffs on the ankles, calves and thighs, narrowing of the arteries can be determined.

Your doctor may request that the test be done with exercise as well. The exercise portion of this study involves walking on a treadmill at a normal rate for 5 minutes.

What kinds of symptoms might I experience if I had PVD?

There are many signs and symptoms that you may experience, such as:

• Pain in the legs, feet or toes (especially with walking or exercise that is relieved with rest)
• Coldness in the feet or legs
• Paleness of the feet when elevated
• Numbness or tingling in the feet or toes
• Blue or red discoloration of the feet or toes