The criteria for diagnosis of Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) vary depending on the type of PVD, but there are some common signs and symptoms that can be used for diagnosis.
The most common symptom of PVD is intermittent claudication, or pain in the legs during physical activity, which is typically relieved by rest. Other common symptoms include numbness or tingling, coldness in the legs, and changes in skin color or texture.
To diagnose PVD, a doctor will typically perform a physical exam to check for signs of PVD, such as decreased pulses in the legs or feet, or skin discoloration. If the physical exam suggests PVD, a doctor may order additional tests such as an ankle-brachial index, Doppler ultrasound, or an angiogram, to confirm the diagnosis.
In addition, a doctor may order blood tests to evaluate for other conditions that may be causing the symptoms such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or inflammation.
Finally, a doctor may also order imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan to evaluate the extent of the disease and determine the best course of treatment.
In summary, the criteria for diagnosis of PVD include physical exam findings, additional tests such as the ankle-brachial index, Doppler ultrasound, or angiogram, and blood tests to rule out other conditions. Imaging studies may also be ordered to determine the extent of the disease and the best course of treatment.