Vascular Studies in Patchogue, New Hyde Park & Hicksville

Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, can restrict blood flow to your limbs, causing significant pain in your legs or other extremities. PAD is common in the U.S., affecting roughly 20 percent of adults, but can go undetected without proper testing because people assume the pain is due to other illnesses. At Brookhaven Heart, our highly skilled medical team uses a number of vascular studies to test for and diagnose PAD.

Ankle Brachial Index Testing

The first step in a suspected PAD case is usually a simple, noninvasive screening test called an ankle-brachial index, or ABI. During an ABI, your physician will place your arms and legs in pressure cuffs and use a Doppler wand to assess the pressure on your arteries.

If the results of the simple ABI are inconclusive, the physician will typically ask you to re-take the test twice more, once at rest and once after walking on a treadmill. If your doctor orders an exercise ABI, be sure to wear comfortable clothing. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.

Other Available Tests

Depending on your symptoms and conditions, our physicians might use some other vascular studies, including:

• Lower Extremity Duplex Scan: A physician will perform an ultrasound on your legs to look for PAD.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Scan: A physician will use ultrasound technology to look for plaque buildup in the lower part of your aorta.
• Carotid Duplex Scan: A physician will use ultrasound waves on your neck to look for blocked or narrowed arteries, which can lead to a stroke.

All of these testing methods can help your physician catch PAD early and develop an effective treatment plan.

Learn More

The vascular studies team at Brookhaven Heart is committed to providing you with the best care possible. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please contact us through our online form or call us at (631) 654-3278 for our Patchogue office or (631) 654-3278 for our New Hyde Park location.

FAQs

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