Tests & Treatments for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) at University of Colorado Hospital

Common Tests for Peripheral Arterial Disease

Angiogram

A picture of the blood vessel produced by X-rays and illuminated by contrast dye.

Ankle-Brachial Index

Compares the blood pressure in the arm to the pressure in the leg using a blood pressure cuff and a Doppler ultrasound probe.

Blood Pressure Cuffs

Placed at various locations in the legs, help to detect the location of artery blockages.

Doppler Ultrasound Probe

Uses sound waves to painlessly measure blood flow through arteries to detect obstruction.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) and Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)

Use contrast dye injected into your veins to make blockages of the vessels visible on detailed X-ray pictures. 

Treadmill Exercise Test

Measures your heart capacity.

Treatments for Peripheral Arterial Disease

You can manage your PAD by:

  • Not smoking
  • Exercising regularly
  • Eating balanced meals
  • Controlling your weight
  • Controlling your blood pressure
  • Watching your cholesterol intake

Your doctor also may advise you to treat your PAD with medications or with surgery.

Medical Treatments for Peripheral Arterial Disease

Anti-coagulants (blood thinners)

Prevent and/or stop the progression of clots

Statins (cholesterol-lowering medications)

Control the build-up of plaque in your arteries

Surgeries to treat Peripheral Arterial Disease

Angioplasty

Catheter-based procedure performed to open up a blocked artery and restore blood flow to the surrounding tissue

Atherectomy

Catheter-based procedure which “shaves” away the plaque in the artery

Bypass Surgery

A blood vessel from another part of the body (usually the leg or chest) is attached to the heart so that the blood bypasses a blocked or narrowed artery

Cryotherapy

Controlled freezing of the arterial blockage

Stent Grafting

A stent is placed in the artery with an aneurysm (weak, bulging section of a blood vessel). The stent lines the interior of the artery and allows blood to pass through without placing stress on the aneurysm

Stenting

A tiny coil (stent) is inserted in the artery and expanded to clear a blockage and keep the artery open