To diagnose P.A.D., your doctor may give you a physical examination. There are also P.A.D. tests available. These P.A.D. tests may be done at your doctor's office, or you may be referred to an outside facility. Click here to find a screening site near you.

One P.A.D. test that's often used is called an Ankle-Brachial Index (A.B.I.). The diagnosis of P.A.D. is based on comparing the blood-pressure readings from your arms and ankles, which are used to calculate your A.B.I number. The A.B.I. takes about 10 minutes.

Do you know your number?
An A.B.I. number that is below 0.9 may mean you have P.A.D., while a number greater than 0.9 may mean you don't have P.A.D. Medical guidelines recommend early detection for P.A.D. through the use of the A.B.I. It helps doctors diagnose P.A.D. in many patients who don't have any symptoms but who are at risk for heart attack or stroke. The A.B.I. has also been recommended for people over 50 with diabetes to test for P.A.D.

The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. Your health-care professional is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your health-care professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

Learn how early diagnosis of P.A.D. is critical.