Private Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Test

The PAD test is currently not available at home. All of our tests are carried out in-person by trained phlebotomists in one of our 350 venues across the UK and Ireland. An in-person test guarantees the accuracy of your test results and enables us to get your samples to the laboratory for testing quickly, giving you your results faster.

Diagnosing peripheral artery disease involves: Medical history: A comprehensive evaluation of medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test: Precise measurement of blood pressure variations between the ankle and arm, indicating potential blood flow issues. Doppler ultrasound: Utilisation of sound waves for a meticulous assessment of blood flow, identifying blockages or abnormalities. Advanced imaging techniques: In intricate cases, advanced imaging methods are used, such as Angiography, CT, or MRI for detailed analysis.

The primary test for PAD is the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Test. It compares blood pressure in the ankle to that in the arm, assessing blood flow to the legs. A lower ABI may indicate narrowed or blocked arteries, a common sign of PAD. The test is non-invasive which uses a cuff inflated around both the arm and leg

The PAD test is generally suitable for individuals interested in monitoring their cardiovascular health and obtaining insights into overall wellbeing. It is especially beneficial for those with specific symptoms or risk factors related to heart health.

Your test results and other readings will each be given a ‘flag’ of a different colour: green, amber or red. Green results are within the recommended range for your age and sex; amber results are slightly outside what we'd normally expect; and red results are further outside the norm.

Where a result is amber or red, we'll give follow up advice on what to do next - whether that's making lifestyle changes, simply monitoring the result, or visiting your GP for further investigation.

If there are any critical results discovered by our laboratory, we will contact you immediately, so you won’t need to wait for your full results report to arrive to take appropriate action.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), also known as peripheral vascular disease, is a circulatory condition that occurs when there is a buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries, particularly those that supply blood to the legs and feet. This buildup narrows and restricts blood flow to the affected limbs, leading to various symptoms and, if left untreated, potentially causing complications.

PAD often develops gradually, and some individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they typically involve reduced blood flow to the legs.

Claudication: Leg pain, cramping, or fatigue during activity. Numbness or Weakness: Reduced sensation or weakness in the legs. Coldness in the Lower Leg or Foot: Noticeable decrease in temperature. Changes in Skin Colour: Paler or bluish tint in the skin. Shiny Skin: Skin on the legs appearing shiny. Slow Toenail Growth: Impaired circulation affects toenail growth. Weak or Absent Pulse: Pulse in the affected limb may be weakened or absent.

A PAD test is already included in many of our complete private health checks. It can also be added as an extra test to any individual health package. Call free on 0800 652 2183 before your appointment to speak to one of our team.

Your blood samples and other readings will be analysed by one of the leading laboratories in the UK with which we have established partnerships. Once they have analysed your samples and readings, your test results are sent securely to our in-house Results team, who compile your personalised Results Report.

Full preparation instructions will be provided in writing when you book your appointment.