What is Next?
Depending on what your results and symptoms are, your doctor may choose to do some of the following things if it makes sense for your care.
If you smoke, your doctor can work with you to develop a plan to help you quit smoking.
If you have risk factors for PAD, your doctor will make sure your medications are adjusted for what you need, especially if you have diabetes.
You may be sent to another doctor that specializes in looking at blood flow in the heart or legs.
Your doctor may order some blood work.
Your doctor may order an ultrasound of your leg(s). This test is performed by specially trained individuals and uses a probe with gel on your legs to get a better picture of where there may be some blood vessel narrowing.
Patient Education
Why is my doctor ordering a QuantaFlo PAD test?
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) occurs when cholesterol and other fats circulating in the blood collect on the walls of the arteries that supply blood to your limbs.
This buildup, called fatty plaque, narrows arteries which often leads to reducing or blocking the flow of blood. PAD commonly occurs in the legs and can also be present in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body like the head, arms, kidneys, and stomach.
Peripheral Arterial Disease Risk Factors
Age-Related Illness
Smoking/Drinking
High Blood Pressure
Existing Cardiovascular Disease
Ethnicity
Metabolic Syndrome
High Cholesterol
Diabetes
What are common symptoms of PAD?
While there are common symptoms associated with PAD, many people with PAD do not experience any at all, which makes early diagnosis even more important.
Painful Leg Cramping
Cooling of the Skin on Legs or Feet
Numbness, Weakness, or Heaviness in the Legs
Foot Sores or Foot Ulcers
Loss of Hair on Legs or Feet
Burning or Aching in Feet
and Toes
Borderline or Mild
The QuantaFlo PAD test simply let’s your doctor know if there is the beginning of fatty plaque buildup. Keep in mind, it is good to catch things early so that the doctor can work with you to prevent anything from getting worse.
Moderate or Severe
Whether you do or do not have symptoms, this test now means your doctor can focus on determining how best to treat you. Remember, that by following your doctor’s plan, you may help slow down the progression of PAD and may reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke.
I had the QuantaFlo PAD Test, Now What?
If your doctor told you that your test was NORMAL, and they don’t have any other concerns, congratulations!
Keep doing what you are doing to stay healthy and active!
If your doctor told you that your test was:
Managing Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is challenging due to its often asymptomatic nature, the need for early detection in high-risk populations, and the necessity of comprehensive care that addresses both lifestyle modifications and medical interventions.
Disparities in PAD: A Growing Concern
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