Easy Ankle-Brachial Index Tests in Commerce Twp, MI
Preventative care is always faster, quicker, and easier than treatment for a condition that has already progressed. Of course, it’s also usually the easiest to put off or forget. However, if you know you struggle with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or habits like smoking, keeping an eye on the health of your blood vessels is crucial. At Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates, we’re here to make it easy, too.
We offer Smart ABI Testing in our Commerce Twp podiatry office, which is the leading way to monitor your risk for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Whether you know you’re at risk for PAD or are simply reaching middle age, this quick, 5-minute test can help you protect your vascular health today and in the long run.
What Is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a condition caused by narrowed or blocked blood vessels in your extremities, most often your legs. The most common reason for this reduction in blood flow is atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries.
PAD increases your risk for coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and lower limb tissue injuries. If untreated, PAD can even interfere with daily activities. The tricky part is a reported 75% of patients with PAD are asymptomatic. That’s why it’s so important to know your risk and get screened.
At Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates, we are committed to being meaningful members of our patients’ care teams. We offer Smart ABI testing to screen for and monitor PAD symptoms, both as part of an ongoing diabetic foot care program and for those who are at high risk of the disease.
Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms
- Pain in legs or feet at rest
- Uncomfortable aching, fatigue, tingling, cramping, or pain in your hip, thigh, buttocks, calves, or feet during walking and exercise
- Pale, discolored, or bluish feet at any time during the day
- Cold feet or legs
- Infection, skin wounds, or ulcers that are slow to heal
Know Your Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease
Smart ABI, or ankle-brachial index testing, is a simple, painless, and quick screening tool that can tell you whether you are at normal, borderline, or severe risk for PAD. Using your first test as a baseline, we can track trends and communicate with other members of your care team, such as your primary care physician or cardiologist. It’s important to get screened if you have:
- History of smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Advanced age (50+)
- Family history of PAD
- Atherosclerosis
- Obesity
Smart ABI & PAD FAQs
Ankle-brachial indexing is the use of inflatable cuffs (much like those used for blood pressure monitoring) to take specialized readings through specific points of your arteries to monitor and measure blood pressure as your heart contracts and releases.
These measurements are taken from your arm and ankle and then compared to get an overall view of your arterial health. ABI is the best way of checking for Peripheral Arterial Disease. Testing can even be done after activity to rule out activity-related problems due to PAD.
The main cause of PAD is fatty plaque buildup in your arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. This damage is most often the result of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, though it can also be caused by genetic factors. If you are aware that someone else in your family has or ever had PAD, tell your doctor.
PAD can be prevented or delayed with the right precautions. Following a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and improving exercise are all great front-line interventions. You may also be prescribed medications, such as antihypertensive drugs or statins, to lower cholesterol.
Take Control of Your Vascular Health Today
Understanding and managing your vascular health can help lower risk factors for conditions like PAD, and in some cases, regular screening can catch problems before they spiral out of control. If you are interested in learning more or would like to schedule your Smart ABI test, feel free to get in touch with us here at Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates today. We are happy to help you manage your health needs.
Let our experienced podiatrists be part of your overall health team and provide the best recommendations for living an active life with healthy feet! Call (248) 360-3888 or request an appointment online to get started.