If you want to get information about arterial leg and arm blood flow, then it is time to learn what is a PVR test. Using such a diagnostic tool as PVR tests, a health care provider can determine if blood supply to your limbs is adequate or you are suffering from peripheral arterial disease. One of the PVR test types is Ankle Brachial Index (ABI). Obtaining the ABI results, the specialist can understand if your body is functioning normally. Thus, if comparing ankle blood pressure with arm pressure, it turns out that these indicators are not equal, then it is an alarming sign for your physician. It means that arteries in your legs are too narrowed and cause circulation issues. In such events, you need to get an efficient treatment plan to get rid of the symptoms that prevent you from normal daily life.
What does the PVR test for legs pressure examination look like? It is a simple, quick, painless, and comfortable procedure that won’t bring any discomfort. The doctor will put blood pressure cuffs in the necessary places (legs and arms) and inflate while using a Doppler for determining the blood flow. It is crucial to pick the medical care specialist who will ensure a competent and integrated approach since getting inaccurate readings of your pressure, a doctor won’t be able to guarantee an accurate result and deliver excellent treatment outcomes in case some disorders will be detected.
When do you need to get a PVR test?
Healthcare workers from Advanced Medical Care, who offers medical services for your health issues including PAD, recommend taking a PVR test also known as Pulse Volume Recording if you’ve noticed the following warning symptoms that must be immediately eliminated:
- claudication that is legs or arms pain that occurs during walking, exercising, and physical activity due to the fact that these body parts don’t receive enough blood flow;
- numbness, ache, cramp, legs heaviness and coldness, as well as lacking strength in your muscles;
- abnormally bluish and pale skin;
- pulse problems in your legs or feet;
- toes sores that take a very long time to heal;
- painful sensations in arms when doing manual tasks such as writing.
However, the PAD may have no symptoms. Thus, your doctor may administer a PVR test even if you don’t have any complaints but you are in a risk group of patients who may face PAD consequences.
Main reasons of PAD and key risks factors to be aware of
If you want to know the most common cause of PAD, then the most correct answer will be atherosclerosis. Moreover, it may occur due to trauma, inflammatory diseases, embolism, vasculitis. The main factors also include diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, arterial hypertension, metabolic disorders and obesity, heart or kidney diseases. Poor lifestyle choices such as smoking, unhealthy food, inactivity also can be included here.
If you experience the mentioned above physical features or are in a risk category and want to exclude or confirm the diagnosis, then a PVR test is required.
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