Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease is a key symptom of arteriosclerosis or the presence of fat lodged in the blood vessels throughout the body’s circulatory system. On average, there is about a 12% chance of occurrence in each age group. In individuals with peripheral artery disease, regardless of whether there is a history of related symptoms with coronary artery disease or cerebrovascular disease, there is an equal risk of death caused by heart and blood vessel diseases.
Screening for Vascular Risk Throughout the Body
Screening for vascular risk throughout the body (Total Body Vascular) is an initial diagnostic test for Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) resulting from blockages in the leg arteries. This can be done by measuring the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI), which compares the blood pressure values of the ankle and arm on each side to check for blockages in those blood vessels.
The vascular stiffness values should be greater than or equal to 1.0. Vascular stiffness values less than 0.9 suggest potential blockages, and further examination through angiograms post-dye injection show that 95% have peripheral artery disease.
Measuring vascular stiffness can categorize the severity of the disease. Patients with chronic symptoms or weak and painfully tired limbs during exercise have vascular stiffness values between 0.5 – 0.8. In such cases, consulting a vascular specialist for further treatment is recommended. In patients with severe symptoms to the point of tissue death due to lack of blood supply to the extremities, the vascular stiffness values are often below 0.5. This scenario is considered an emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Behaviors Before and After Treatment
- When measuring, patients must lie flat, with the level of the arms and legs at the same level as the heart.
- The patient should lie in the most comfortable position and should not talk, touch the cuff, or move their limbs during the measurement, as this can lead to inaccurate values. It may also extend the measurement time more than necessary because it requires remeasurement.
- If any pain or abnormalities occur during the measurement, the staff will immediately stop the machine.
- Patients with metal implants in their arms or legs cannot have their values measured.
