Medical professionals perform pulse checks on legs and feet to evaluate blood circulation patterns. The arteries in PAD become narrowed or blocked, which causes doctors to detect weak or missing pulses in the affected limbs. A weak pulse indicates reduced blood flow through vessels which blocks proper oxygen delivery to muscles and skin and other body tissues. A healthcare provider should check your feet and ankles for absent or weak pulses, because this indicates poor blood circulation. The discovery of this symptom leads doctors to perform an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test for PAD confirmation and treatment selection.
As Dr Kapadia says, “Most people think blockages only happen in the heart. But your legs give you warning signs too. And if we ignore them, the price can be very high.” Early detection of these six symptoms through medical consultation helps patients manage PAD while avoiding dangerous complications that could result in losing their limbs. The combination of basic tests with lifestyle modifications and prescribed medications, helps patients achieve better blood circulation and enhanced life quality.