Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Tests
Peripheral arterial disease is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood.
Part of: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Diagnosis of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) is diagnosed based on your medical and family histories, a physical exam, and test results.
P.A.D. often is diagnosed after symptoms are reported. A correct diagnosis is important because people who have P.A.D. are at higher risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), heart attack, stroke, and transient ischemic attack (“mini-stroke“). If you have P.A.D., your doctor also may want to check for signs of these diseases and conditions.
Specialists Involved
Primary care doctors, such as internists and family doctors, may treat people who have mild P.A.D. For more advanced P.A.D., a vascular specialist may be involved. This is a doctor who specializes in treating blood vessel diseases and conditions.
A cardiologist also may be involved in treating people who have P.A.D. Cardiologists treat heart problems, such as CHD and heart attack, which often affect people who… Read more about Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Tests