How do you diagnose intermittent claudication?
People experiencing symptoms of intermittent claudication should contact their doctor immediately. The doctor will review the patient’s medical history and examine the person for signs of the condition. This examination includes checking for a lower pulse or the absence of a pulse behind the knee, on the ankle, foot, and groin. The doctor may order an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test to determine whether arteries are blocked. This procedure will verify if the person has PAD and provides information on the severity of the condition. The ABI measures blood pressure in the arms and ankle. Readings are taken when the person is at rest and after exercising lightly by walking on a treadmill. The ABI index is found by dividing the ankle blood pressure by the pressure for the arm. An ABI below 0.90 in a person at rest is a sign of PAD. The physician may also order a Doppler ultrasound exam to measure the flow of blood through the arteries. Cuffs are placed on four places on each leg. The doctor
