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Updated: Sep 28, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
Diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease: utility of the vascular laboratory
1Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory, Heart & Vascular Institute, Morristown, New Jersey, USA.
Abstract:
The risks of undiagnosed peripheral arterial disease (PAD) include progressive reduction in quality of life, potential limb loss, and unrecognized comorbid atherosclerotic (concomitant coronary and cerebrovascular) disease. Although a thorough historical review of symptoms and a comprehensive physical examination may lead the clinician to an appropriate index of suspicion, accurate diagnostic testing is crucial. Accredited vascular diagnostic laboratories provide a risk-free description of the presence, severity, and location of PAD. This article describes the basic noninvasive diagnostic tests, criteria for diagnosis, advantages and disadvantages of each diagnostic modality, and a strategy for PAD therapy.
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