{"id":44016,"date":"2026-02-09T09:29:33","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T09:29:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/from-symptoms-to-diagnosis-what-you-need-to-know-about-pad\/"},"modified":"2026-02-09T09:29:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T09:29:33","slug":"from-symptoms-to-diagnosis-what-you-need-to-know-about-pad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/from-symptoms-to-diagnosis-what-you-need-to-know-about-pad\/","title":{"rendered":"From Symptoms to Diagnosis: What You Need to Know About PAD"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Pain in your legs when you walk that disappears with rest might seem like a normal part of aging, but it can be a warning. This is a classic indicator of\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/condition\/peripheral-artery-disease-pad\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, a common but serious circulatory condition. Understanding the\u00a0signs\u00a0and\u00a0symptoms\u00a0of peripheral artery disease\u00a0is crucial for early detection and treatment. Many people dismiss these clues, unaware that they point to narrowed arteries reducing blood flow to their limbs.\u00a0A timely\u00a0peripheral artery disease diagnosis\u00a0can prevent severe complications, including limb loss. This article will guide you through what to look for and how this condition is diagnosed.\u00a0Get\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/specialties\/cardiology\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">a consultation<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0with the\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">best\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">vascular disease specialists in Brooklyn.<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key Signs &amp; Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">PAD develops when plaque\u00a0builds up\u00a0in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. While it can affect any peripheral artery, it most often\u00a0impacts\u00a0the legs. The\u00a0signs &amp; symptoms of peripheral artery disease\u00a0can be subtle at first, and some people have no symptoms at all.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Most Common Symptom: Claudication<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Claudication is muscle pain or cramping in the legs or arms that is triggered by activity, such as walking, and disappears after a few minutes of rest. The pain can range from mild to severe and is often felt in the calf.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Other Warning Signs to Watch For<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Beyond claudication, there are other clues that your limbs are not receiving enough blood flow:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Leg Numbness or Weakness:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0A feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the leg muscles.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Changes in Skin and Nails:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0The skin on your legs may become shiny, and your toenails may grow slowly.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Temperature Differences:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0One lower leg or foot may feel colder than the other.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Non-Healing Sores:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Ulcers or sores on the toes, feet, or legs that are slow to heal or do not heal at all are a serious sign.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hair Loss:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0A noticeable loss of hair on the feet and legs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Erectile Dysfunction:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0In men, this can sometimes be an indicator of arterial disease.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a\u00a0<\/span>vascular health specialist.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Peripheral Artery Disease Diagnosis<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If your doctor suspects PAD based on your symptoms and a physical exam, several tests can confirm a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/peripheral-artery-disease-newest-non-invasive-diagnostics\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">peripheral artery disease diagnosis<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0The\u00a0goal is to assess blood flow in your arteries.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This is the most common\u00a0initial\u00a0test for PAD. It is a simple, non-invasive procedure that compares the blood pressure in your ankle with the blood pressure in your arm. A low ABI score\u00a0indicates\u00a0that you may have narrowed or blocked arteries in your legs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Further Diagnostic Tools<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If the ABI results are unclear or if more detail is needed, your doctor might order\u00a0additional\u00a0tests:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Doppler Ultrasound:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0This imaging test uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow and\u00a0identify\u00a0blockages or\u00a0narrowed\u00a0areas in your arteries.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Angiography:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0In this procedure, a special dye is injected into your blood vessels, which allows a\u00a0vascular health specialist\u00a0to view blood flow using X-rays or other imaging techniques.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A definitive diagnosis is the first step toward creating a treatment plan. Visiting a specialized\u00a0vascular health clinic in Brooklyn\u00a0can provide access to these diagnostic tools and expert care.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Peripheral Artery Disease is more than just leg pain; it is a marker of widespread atherosclerosis that can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Recognizing the\u00a0signs &amp; symptoms of peripheral artery disease\u00a0and seeking a proper\u00a0peripheral artery disease diagnosis\u00a0are critical actions for protecting your health. If you are concerned about your symptoms or have risk factors like diabetes, smoking, or high blood pressure, do not delay. The\u00a0vascular health specialists\u00a0are here to provide the comprehensive evaluation and care you need to keep\u00a0you\u00a0moving.\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">For any vascular problems,\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">call us on\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">+<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">1-718-367-2555<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Vascular Disease Specialists at\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Doral Health &amp; Wellness<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0consistently have outstanding patient satisfaction ratings. The professionals at Doral Health &amp; Wellness Vascular Health Department Brooklyn can improve your health and quality of life because of their vast training and experience. New Yorkers can get the greatest medical and surgical vascular care at Doral Health &amp; Wellness Brooklyn.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you need help, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at\u00a0<\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com\/Doralintake\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com\/Doralintake<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">or\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">send an email to<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><a href=\"mailto:info@doralhw.org\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">info@doralhw<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">org.<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Leg pain when you walk? Learn the key signs &amp; symptoms of peripheral artery disease and how a proper diagnosis can save your limbs and your life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":44017,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1285],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44016","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-vascular","post_format-post-format-standard"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44016","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44016"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44016\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44017"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44016"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44016"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44016"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}