Are you experiencing leg pain, cramping, numbness, slow-healing wounds, or other signs of poor circulation?
Tempe Primary Care offers Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) screening and in-office ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing for appropriate patients in Tempe and Chandler, Arizona.
Peripheral Artery Disease can reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. Because PAD may not always cause obvious symptoms, understanding your symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors can help determine whether additional testing may be appropriate.
At Tempe Primary Care, we use a PAD screening questionnaire to help identify patients who may benefit from further evaluation.
If your screening indicates increased risk, ABI testing can be performed right in our office.
Call (602) 283-0080 to schedule a PAD evaluation and ask about in-office ABI testing.
What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral Artery Disease, also called Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD, is a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow, most commonly to the legs and feet.
PAD is frequently associated with atherosclerosis, which occurs when plaque builds up inside the arteries. Reduced blood flow may cause symptoms such as:
- Leg pain or cramping
- Pain while walking or exercising
- Tired or heavy legs
- Numbness or tingling
- Coldness in a foot or lower leg
- Changes in skin color
- Slow-healing wounds
- Reduced circulation in the feet
Some people with PAD have few noticeable symptoms, which is why cardiovascular risk factors are also important when determining whether testing may be appropriate.
What Are the Symptoms of PAD?
One of the most common symptoms associated with PAD is leg discomfort during physical activity that improves after resting.
Symptoms may include aching, cramping, fatigue, heaviness, tingling, or pain in the:
- Feet
- Calves
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Thighs
Other possible warning signs include:
- Pain in the legs or feet while resting
- Pale, bluish, or discolored feet
- Cold feet or lower legs
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness in the legs
- Slow-healing wounds or ulcers
- Changes in the appearance of the skin
- Concerns about poor circulation
Because these symptoms can also occur with other conditions, a medical evaluation is important.
Do I Need PAD Screening?
At Tempe Primary Care, we use a PAD patient screening questionnaire to help determine whether a patient may be at increased risk for Peripheral Artery Disease and whether further evaluation, including an ankle-brachial index test, may be appropriate.
The screening looks at both symptoms of possible circulation problems and known cardiovascular risk factors.
PAD Screening: Symptoms and Higher-Priority Indicators
Answer Yes or No to the following questions:
1. Do you experience pain in your legs or feet while at rest?
Pain occurring even when you are not walking or exercising may be important to discuss with your healthcare provider.
2. Do you experience aching, fatigue, tingling, cramping, or pain while walking or exercising?
This may occur in your:
- Feet
- Calves
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Thighs
3. If you experience pain while walking or exercising, does it improve when you stop?
Leg discomfort that occurs with activity and improves with rest is an important symptom to discuss during a PAD evaluation.
4. Do your feet become pale, discolored, or bluish at any time during the day?
Changes in the color of your feet may be associated with circulation problems and should be evaluated.
5. Do you have an infection, skin wound, or ulcer on your leg or foot that has been slow to heal for the past 8–12 weeks?
A wound that is not healing normally may warrant further evaluation, particularly when combined with other cardiovascular risk factors.
6. Are you over the age of 65?
Age is one of several factors considered when evaluating a patient's risk for PAD.
When May ABI Testing Be Recommended?
If you answer YES to one or more of the six questions above, you may be a candidate for an ABI evaluation.
Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and medical history and determine whether an ABI or another form of evaluation is appropriate.
PAD Screening: Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Even when someone does not have obvious leg symptoms, certain health conditions and medical history may increase concern for Peripheral Artery Disease.
Answer Yes or No to the following:
7. Are you over the age of 50?
Risk for vascular disease generally increases with age.
8. Do you have high cholesterol or another blood lipid problem?
This includes patients who:
- Have been diagnosed with high cholesterol
- Have abnormal blood lipid levels
- Take cholesterol-lowering medication
9. Do you have high blood pressure?
This includes patients who have been diagnosed with hypertension or currently take medication to lower their blood pressure.
10. Do you have diabetes?
Diabetes is an important cardiovascular and vascular risk factor and may increase concern about circulation in the legs and feet.
11. Do you have a history of chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and vascular disease.
12. Do you currently smoke, or have you smoked in the past?
Both current and previous tobacco use are important factors when assessing the risk of Peripheral Artery Disease.
13. Do you have a history of stroke or mini-stroke?
This includes a previous:
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- "Mini-stroke"
14. Do you have a history of heart disease, heart attack, or myocardial infarction?
A history of cardiovascular disease may be another reason to evaluate overall vascular health.
15. Do you have a history of carotid stenosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or vascular stent placement?
Existing vascular disease in another part of the body can be an important consideration when evaluating your risk for PAD.
When May ABI Testing Be Recommended Based on Risk Factors?
If you answer YES to two or more of these risk-factor questions, you may be a candidate for an ABI evaluation.
Your provider will determine whether testing is medically appropriate based on your complete health history.
ABI Testing Is Available in Our Office
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Tempe Primary Care for a PAD evaluation is convenience.
Ankle-brachial index testing is available right here in our office.
When clinically appropriate, your provider can:
- Review your PAD screening questionnaire
- Discuss your symptoms
- Review your cardiovascular risk factors
- Perform an examination
- Determine whether ABI testing is appropriate
- Perform the ABI test in the office
- Review the results and discuss your next steps
You may not need to begin your evaluation by scheduling a separate appointment at an outside imaging facility.
Tempe Primary Care can help you begin evaluating possible circulation problems in one convenient primary care setting.
What Is an ABI Test?
An ankle-brachial index test, or ABI test, is a noninvasive test used to help evaluate blood flow to the legs.
The test compares blood pressure measurements taken at the ankle with blood pressure measurements taken in the arm.
Differences between these measurements can help your healthcare provider determine whether there may be reduced blood flow to the lower extremities.
ABI testing may be used as part of an evaluation for Peripheral Artery Disease.
What Happens During an ABI Test?
An ABI test is generally straightforward and does not require surgery or needles. During the test:
- You will typically lie down and
- Blood pressure cuffs are placed on your arms and
- Blood pressure measurements are
- Circulation measurements from your ankles and arms are
- Your healthcare provider evaluates the results along with your symptoms and medical
The test provides information that can help your provider determine whether additional evaluation may be necessary.
Who May Be a Candidate for an ABI Test?
You may want to talk with your healthcare provider about PAD and ABI testing if you have:
- Leg pain while walking
- Calf cramping during exercise
- Leg discomfort that improves with rest
- Pain in your feet or legs while resting
- Pale or bluish feet
- Slow-healing wounds
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Chronic kidney disease
- A current or previous smoking history
- A history of heart disease
- A history of heart attack
- A history of stroke or TIA
- Carotid artery disease
- A history of abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Previous vascular stent placement
- Multiple cardiovascular risk factors
Your provider will determine whether an ABI test is appropriate based on your individual circumstances.
Why Is Detecting PAD Important?
PAD is more than a problem involving discomfort in the legs.
Peripheral Artery Disease is often associated with underlying vascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors.
Identifying possible PAD allows your healthcare provider to look at your overall health and determine whether additional attention may be needed for conditions such as:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Tobacco use
- Weight-related health risks
- Cardiovascular disease
For patients who are experiencing symptoms, evaluation may also help determine whether reduced blood flow could be contributing to their leg or foot problems.
What Happens If My ABI Test Is Abnormal?
An abnormal ABI does not determine your entire treatment plan by itself. Your provider will consider the result alongside your:
- Symptoms
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Medications
- Cardiovascular risk factors
- Other medical conditions
Depending on the findings, your next steps may include additional testing, treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle recommendations, medication when appropriate, or referral to a vascular or cardiovascular specialist.
How Is Peripheral Artery Disease Managed?
Treatment and management depend on the individual patient and severity of the condition. Your care plan may include:
Blood Pressure Management
Controlling high blood pressure may be an important part of reducing cardiovascular risk.
Cholesterol Management
Your provider may evaluate cholesterol levels and discuss appropriate treatment when indicated.
Diabetes Management
Managing blood glucose is particularly important for patients with both diabetes and vascular disease.
Smoking Cessation
For patients who currently smoke, stopping tobacco use can be an important component of cardiovascular and vascular care.
Physical Activity and Exercise
Appropriate walking and exercise programs may be recommended depending on the patient's medical condition.
Medication
Medication may be appropriate for certain patients based on their cardiovascular health and medical history.
Foot and Wound Care
Patients with poor circulation, diabetes, or PAD may require closer attention to foot health and wounds.
Additional Vascular Testing
Some patients may require additional vascular testing or imaging.
Specialist Referral
When appropriate, your primary care provider may refer you to a vascular or cardiovascular specialist for further evaluation or treatment.
PAD Evaluation at Tempe Primary Care
Peripheral Artery Disease often overlaps with other chronic medical conditions.
That makes primary care an important part of identifying risk factors and coordinating appropriate care. At Tempe Primary Care, your PAD evaluation can be considered alongside conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Obesity
- Tobacco use
- Other cardiovascular risk factors
This allows your provider to evaluate the bigger picture instead of focusing only on one symptom.
Why Choose Tempe Primary Care for PAD Screening?
In-Office ABI Testing
ABI testing is available in our office, making it convenient for appropriate patients to begin evaluating possible circulation problems.
PAD Screening Based on Symptoms and Risk Factors
We use a structured PAD screening questionnaire to help identify patients who may benefit from additional evaluation.
Comprehensive Primary Care
PAD is frequently connected with other cardiovascular risk factors. Our primary care approach allows us to evaluate your overall health.
Personalized Recommendations
Not every patient needs the same testing or treatment. Your provider considers your symptoms, history, medications, risk factors, and examination when recommending next steps.
Convenient Locations in Tempe and Chandler
Tempe Primary Care provides care for patients throughout Tempe, Chandler, and surrounding Arizona communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About PAD and ABI Testing
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD, is a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow, most commonly to the legs and feet.
Symptoms may include leg pain, cramping, numbness, changes in foot color, or slow-healing wounds, although some people may have few obvious symptoms.
What is an ABI test?
An ABI test is a noninvasive circulation test that compares blood pressure in your ankle with blood pressure in your arm.
The results can help your healthcare provider evaluate whether blood flow to your legs may be reduced.
Does Tempe Primary Care offer ABI testing?
Yes. Tempe Primary Care offers in-office ABI testing for appropriate patients.
Your provider can review your PAD symptoms and risk factors and determine whether an ankle-brachial index test is appropriate for you.
Do I need to go to an imaging center for an ABI test?
Not necessarily.
ABI testing is available directly in our office at Tempe Primary Care, allowing appropriate patients to undergo testing as part of their PAD evaluation without starting at a separate imaging facility.
Who should consider a PAD screening?
PAD screening may be appropriate for patients experiencing symptoms such as:
- Leg or foot pain
- Pain during walking
- Cramping during exercise
- Pain that improves with rest
- Foot discoloration
- Slow-healing wounds
A screening may also be appropriate for people with cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney disease, smoking history, heart disease, stroke, or other vascular disease.
How does Tempe Primary Care determine whether I may need an ABI?
Our PAD screening process considers two groups of criteria.
Patients answering YES to at least one symptom or higher-priority screening question may be candidates for ABI testing.
Patients may also be candidates when they answer YES to at least two cardiovascular risk-factor questions.
Your provider makes the final determination based on your individual medical history and evaluation.
Can you have PAD without symptoms?
Yes. Some people with Peripheral Artery Disease do not experience the classic symptoms of leg pain while walking.
That is why a patient's medical history and cardiovascular risk factors can also be important.
Is leg pain always caused by PAD?
No.
Leg pain can have many causes, including problems involving muscles, joints, nerves, blood vessels, or other conditions.
Your provider can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether circulation testing may be appropriate.
Is an ABI test painful?
An ABI is noninvasive and uses blood pressure cuffs and circulation measurements rather than surgery or injections.
What happens if my ABI result suggests poor circulation?
Your provider will discuss the findings with you and determine whether additional testing, treatment, cardiovascular risk management, or referral to a specialist may be appropriate.
Schedule PAD Screening & In-Office ABI Testing in Tempe or Chandler, AZ
If you're experiencing leg pain, cramping while walking, poor circulation, foot discoloration, numbness, or a slow-healing wound, or you have multiple cardiovascular risk factors, consider talking with your healthcare provider about Peripheral Artery Disease.
At Tempe Primary Care, we make the evaluation process more convenient by offering PAD screening and ABI testing right in our office for appropriate patients.
Tempe Primary Care – Tempe
2055 E Southern Ave, Suite A
Tempe, AZ 85282
Tempe Primary Care – Chandler
5650 W Chandler Blvd #2
Chandler, AZ 85226
Call (602) 283-0080 to Schedule an Appointment
Ask about Peripheral Artery Disease screening and in-office ABI testing.
