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Arterial Assessment

PAD Assessment & Leg Circulation Testing

Assessment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) using arterial ultrasound and ankle-brachial index measurements when clinically appropriate to evaluate leg circulation and inform management.

Peripheral artery disease ultrasound assessment

PAD can reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. Early assessment can help guide risk reduction and treatment.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your legs, reducing blood flow. This can cause pain when walking, slow-healing wounds, and in severe cases, may lead to amputation.

PAD assessment may include arterial duplex ultrasound and ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement to help assess leg circulation and inform the treating clinician's plan.

Signs of Poor Leg Circulation

Leg pain or cramping when walking (claudication)
Cold feet or legs
Slow-healing wounds on feet or legs
Weak or absent pulses in feet
Hair loss on legs or shiny skin

Why PAD Assessment Matters

Accurate measurement of arterial blood flow
Assessment when symptoms or clinical findings warrant it
Risk stratification for treatment planning
Monitor disease progression over time

45-60

minutes

Timing confirmed

Results

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about PAD assessment

ABI is a simple, painless test that compares blood pressure in your ankle to blood pressure in your arm. An abnormal ratio indicates reduced blood flow to your legs.
Expert Medical Information

Understanding Your Condition

Reviewed by Dr. Ahmad Al Harbi, RVT, RPVI, MScUpdated May 22, 2026

Dr. Ahmad's practical note

Leg artery assessment should connect symptoms and examination findings with objective blood-flow measurements. A clinician may select Doppler waveform testing or arterial ultrasound for walking pain, weak pulses, slow-healing wounds, or another specific clinical question; risk factors alone do not create an automatic screening schedule.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

Vascular ultrasound is helpful for stable diagnostic questions. For sudden or severe symptoms, urgent medical assessment comes first; call 112 for an emergency in Kuwait.

  • Foot pain at rest, especially at night
  • Black toe, blue toe, or a cold painful foot
  • Foot wound, ulcer, or infection that is not healing

Peripheral Arterial Disease: The Silent Threat to Your Legs

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) affects the arteries that supply blood to your legs and feet. When these arteries become narrowed or blocked by atherosclerosis, your legs don't receive adequate blood flow, leading to pain, poor wound healing, and in severe cases, amputation. PAD is particularly common in the Gulf region due to high rates of diabetes, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles. Unfortunately, many people don't realize they have PAD because symptoms develop gradually or are mistaken for normal aging.

Recognizing PAD Symptoms

  • Claudication: Leg pain or cramping when walking that goes away with rest
  • Cold Feet: One foot feels colder than the other
  • Hair Loss: Decreased hair growth on legs and feet
  • Slow Healing: Wounds or sores on feet that take long to heal
  • Skin Changes: Shiny skin, color changes, or thickened toenails
  • Weak Pulse: Diminished or absent pulse in feet

PAD Assessment at Vascular Lab Kuwait

PAD assessment is selected according to symptoms and the clinical question. It may include: 1. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): A non-invasive comparison of ankle and arm pressures. 2. Segmental Pressures: Measurements at different leg levels when appropriate. 3. Arterial Doppler or Duplex: Waveform assessment and imaging of relevant arteries. 4. Additional physiological testing when clinically indicated. PAD is associated with increased cardiovascular and limb risk. Results should be interpreted with symptoms, examination findings, and the treating clinician's plan.

Trusted Medical Sources

This educational content is written for patients and aligned with trusted public medical references. It does not replace personal medical advice.

NHLBI: Peripheral artery disease symptomsNHLBI: What is peripheral artery disease?

Book Your Consultation

Arrange a focused vascular assessment with Dr. Ahmad Al Harbi at International Hospital in Salmiya. Reporting time is confirmed according to the examination and clinical urgency.

International Hospital, 2nd Floor, Vascular Department, 6 Qatar Street, Salmiya, Kuwait
Sunday - Thursday: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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