Question 1

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, typically affecting the legs. It is caused by atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaques in arterial walls driven by inflammatory processes and lipid deposits. The Lp-PLA2 Activity test is the most important blood test for assessing PAD risk because it measures active inflammation within arterial plaques that contribute to disease progression.

Question 2

What causes Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral Arterial Disease is caused by atherosclerosis, a process where fatty deposits and cholesterol build up inside artery walls, forming plaques that narrow and stiffen blood vessels. This buildup is driven by chronic inflammation, elevated LDL cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which damage the arterial lining and allow lipids to accumulate. Over time, these plaques restrict blood flow to the legs and feet, causing pain, cramping, and reduced mobility.

Question 3

What is the best test for Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Accepted Answer

The Lp-PLA2 Activity test is the most important blood test for assessing cardiovascular risk in Peripheral Arterial Disease because it measures an enzyme directly involved in forming unstable arterial plaques. Elevated Lp-PLA2 activity indicates active inflammation within artery walls and identifies plaques that are more likely to rupture or progress, helping predict disease severity and guide treatment strategies. While PAD is primarily diagnosed through physical exams and imaging like the ankle-brachial index, the Lp-PLA2 test provides crucial information about the underlying inflammatory processes driving plaque formation and arterial damage.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience leg pain or cramping when walking that improves with rest, coldness or numbness in your legs or feet, slow-healing wounds on your feet or legs, or changes in leg color or hair loss on your legs. Testing is also recommended if you are over 65, have diabetes, smoke or have a history of smoking, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or have a family history of heart disease or stroke. Early detection through blood tests like Lp-PLA2 can identify cardiovascular risk before symptoms become severe.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Accepted Answer

The most common symptom of Peripheral Arterial Disease is claudication, a cramping or aching pain in your legs or hips that occurs during walking or exercise and goes away with rest. You might also notice coldness in your lower leg or foot, numbness or weakness in your legs, slow-growing toenails, shiny or discolored skin on your legs, or wounds and sores on your toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly or not at all. In severe cases, you may experience pain in your feet or toes even when resting, especially at night.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Accepted Answer

People who smoke or have a history of smoking face the highest risk for developing Peripheral Arterial Disease, as tobacco damages arterial walls and accelerates plaque formation. Other high-risk groups include individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity, as these conditions promote inflammation and arterial damage. Age is also a major factor, with risk increasing significantly after age 50, and people with a family history of PAD, heart disease, or stroke are more likely to develop the condition.

Question 7

What happens if Peripheral Arterial Disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Peripheral Arterial Disease progressively worsens, leading to severe leg pain that limits mobility and significantly reduces quality of life. The reduced blood flow can cause wounds and infections that refuse to heal, potentially leading to tissue death and gangrene, which may require amputation of toes, feet, or legs. PAD also dramatically increases your risk of heart attack and stroke because the same atherosclerotic process affecting leg arteries is likely damaging arteries throughout your body, including those supplying your heart and brain.

Question 8

Can Peripheral Arterial Disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests alone cannot diagnose Peripheral Arterial Disease, but they play a crucial supporting role by identifying cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory markers associated with arterial plaque formation. The primary diagnosis relies on physical examination and imaging tests like the ankle-brachial index, which compares blood pressure in your ankles to your arms. However, blood tests like the Lp-PLA2 Activity test help assess the severity of arterial inflammation, predict disease progression, and guide treatment decisions by revealing the underlying metabolic and inflammatory processes driving atherosclerosis.

Question 9

How is Peripheral Arterial Disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for Peripheral Arterial Disease focuses on lifestyle changes combined with medications to slow disease progression and reduce cardiovascular risk. Your doctor will likely prescribe medications to lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, prevent blood clots, and manage diabetes if present, while strongly recommending smoking cessation, regular exercise, and a heart-healthy diet. In more severe cases where lifestyle changes and medications are insufficient, procedures like angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow to affected limbs and prevent tissue damage or amputation.

Question 10

How can I prevent Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Accepted Answer

The most effective way to prevent Peripheral Arterial Disease is to quit smoking or never start, as tobacco use is the single biggest risk factor for developing the condition. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and keeping a healthy weight significantly reduces your risk. Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol through medication and lifestyle changes also prevents the arterial damage that leads to PAD.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can manage Peripheral Arterial Disease by walking regularly to improve circulation, starting with short distances and gradually increasing as tolerated, even if you experience mild discomfort. Take excellent care of your feet by inspecting them daily for cuts, sores, or color changes, keeping them clean and moisturized, wearing comfortable shoes that fit well, and avoiding going barefoot. Elevate your legs when sitting, avoid crossing your legs, keep your home warm to promote circulation, and practice stress-reduction techniques, as stress can worsen circulation problems.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Peripheral Arterial Disease Blood Test

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

What causes Peripheral Arterial Disease?

What is the best test for Peripheral Arterial Disease?

When should I get tested for Peripheral Arterial Disease?

References

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