Peripheral vascular examination

Peripheral Vascular Examination is a medical procedure used to assess the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain. It is often performed to identify any blockages in the arteries and veins that could restrict blood flow.

Overview

The peripheral vascular examination is a part of the physical examination that focuses on the body's circulatory system. The examination is performed to detect any abnormalities in the peripheral arteries and veins, which are the blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart and brain.

Procedure

The peripheral vascular examination typically involves several steps. First, the patient's history is taken to identify any risk factors for vascular disease, such as smoking, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

Next, the patient's pulse is checked in several locations, including the arms, legs, and feet. This can help to identify any areas where blood flow may be restricted.

The doctor may also listen to the blood flow in the arteries using a stethoscope, a process known as auscultation. If an abnormal sound, or bruit, is heard, it may indicate a blockage in the artery.

In some cases, additional tests may be performed, such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test or a Doppler ultrasound.

Significance

The peripheral vascular examination is an important tool in the diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs become narrowed or blocked. PAD can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected limbs, and can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The examination can also help to identify other conditions that affect the blood vessels, such as aneurysms or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

See also

• Physical examination
• Peripheral artery disease
• Auscultation
• Ankle-brachial index
• Doppler ultrasound