PAD Screening

Approximately 1 in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has peripheral vascular disease (PAD). This can cause leg pain and lead to more severe issues like heart attack or stroke. Fortunately, Vivek Bansal, MD, and the team at The EnLyv Clinics offer innovative PAD screenings at their locations in Bridgewater Township, Flemington, and Edison, New Jersey. Treating patients aged 12 and older, the team offers blood tests, ankle-brachial index (ABI) tests, and several forms of treatments for PAD. To schedule a screening, call the staff today or book an appointment online. 

What is a PAD screening?

PAD occurs when your blood isn’t flowing normally through your arteries. This causes a hardening of your arteries and lack of circulation to your extremities, most commonly manifesting as leg pain. 

During a PAD screening, there are several types of tests your provider may recommend.  

can check for conditions related to PAD, such as high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and diabetes.

An ABI is a common test that compares the blood pressure in your ankle with the blood pressure in your arm. Your provider may have you walk on a treadmill during this test.

An ultrasound of your legs or feet can decipher how blood moves through your blood vessels. 

An angiography uses X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to look for blockages in your arteries. Before your provider takes the images, they inject dye into a blood vessel to see arteries more clearly on the test images.

When do I need a PAD screening? 

You may need a PAD screening If you’re over 50 years old and have risk factors, including: 

• Smoker (former or current)
• High blood pressure
• History of heart attack or stroke
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol 

Warning signs of PAD include:

• Pain in your legs 
• Consistent leg tingling, burning, or loss of sensation 
• Smooth, shiny skin on your lower legs and feet
• Cool feeling skin 

You may also have wounds on your feet and legs that have trouble healing.

What are my treatment options after a PAD screening?

Medication or lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, can reduce complications of PAD. Exercising or walking regularly can also improve symptoms. 

Cholesterol drugs

Statins help lower bad cholesterol and reduce plaque buildup in your arteries, which lowers your risk of heart attack and stroke. 

Blood pressure drugs

High blood pressure can make your arteries stiff and hard, and medication can help improve your blood flow. 

Medications to control blood sugar

If you have diabetes, you may need medication to control your blood sugar.

Medications to prevent blood clots

Aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix®) can help improve your blood flow and prevent blood clotting.

Medications for leg pain

Cilostazol (Pletal® ) is a medication that can thin your blood and widen blood vessels to increase blood flow to your limbs.

If you’re interested in a PAD screening, call The EnLyv Clinic today or schedule an appointment online.