• Peripheral Artery Disease and Intermittent Claudication - Diagnosis
• Highlights
• Introduction
• Symptoms
• Risk Factors
• Complications
• Treatment

Diagnosis

PAD is greatly underdiagnosed. Many patients do not report symptoms, or may not even have symptoms. People should be checked for peripheral artery disease if they have leg pain during walking, or ulcers on their legs.

Physical Examination

The doctor should check for high blood pressure, heart abnormalities, blockage(s) in the artery in the neck, and abdominal aneurysms. The doctor should also examine the skin of the legs and feet for color changes, ulcers, infection, or injuries, and...