Question 1

What is peripheral artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most commonly the legs. It is caused by atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaque deposits containing LDL cholesterol in the peripheral arteries. The Direct LDL test is the most important test for assessing PAD risk factors and guiding treatment strategies.

Question 2

What causes peripheral artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral artery disease is caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty plaque deposits build up inside the arteries that carry blood to your legs and arms. These plaques contain LDL cholesterol, calcium, and other substances that narrow the arteries over time. Risk factors that accelerate this plaque buildup include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and lack of physical activity. As the arteries narrow, less oxygen-rich blood reaches your leg muscles, causing pain and cramping, especially when walking or exercising.

Question 3

What is the best test for peripheral artery disease?

Accepted Answer

The Direct LDL test is the most important blood test for peripheral artery disease because it directly measures low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, which are the primary contributor to plaque formation in peripheral arteries. High LDL cholesterol drives the atherosclerosis process that narrows arteries in your legs and reduces blood flow. Regular monitoring of LDL levels helps your healthcare provider adjust medications like statins and lifestyle recommendations to slow disease progression. While PAD itself is diagnosed through physical examination and specialized tests like the ankle-brachial index (ABI), the Direct LDL test is essential for managing the underlying cause and preventing serious complications like heart attack and stroke.

Question 4

When should I get tested for peripheral artery disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience leg pain or cramping when walking that goes away with rest (claudication), numbness or weakness in your legs, coldness in your lower leg or foot, slow-healing wounds on your feet or legs, or changes in leg color. People over 65, smokers over 50, or anyone with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol should consider testing even without symptoms. If you have a family history of heart disease or PAD, getting your Direct LDL cholesterol checked regularly helps catch problems early. Early detection and treatment can prevent disease progression and reduce your risk of limb complications.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?

Accepted Answer

The most common symptom of peripheral artery disease is claudication, which is leg pain or cramping in your hip, thigh, or calf muscles that occurs when walking or exercising and goes away with rest. You might also notice numbness, weakness, or coldness in your lower legs or feet, shiny skin on your legs, slow-growing toenails, or wounds and sores on your toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly or not at all. Some people experience a change in leg color, weak or absent pulses in the legs or feet, or erectile dysfunction in men. In severe cases, you may have pain in your feet or toes even when resting, especially at night while lying down.

Question 6

Who is at risk for peripheral artery disease?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk for peripheral artery disease include smokers or former smokers, people with diabetes, those over age 65, and individuals with high blood pressure or high cholesterol. African Americans have a higher risk of developing PAD than other racial groups. Other risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, a family history of PAD or cardiovascular disease, high levels of homocysteine (an amino acid that contributes to artery damage), and chronic kidney disease. People with existing heart disease or who have had a stroke are also at increased risk because atherosclerosis often affects multiple areas of the body simultaneously.

Question 7

What happens if peripheral artery disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated peripheral artery disease can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. The reduced blood flow to your legs can progress to critical limb ischemia, causing severe pain even at rest, non-healing wounds, gangrene, and ultimately amputation of toes, feet, or legs. Because PAD indicates widespread atherosclerosis, you also face significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke, as the same plaque buildup process affects arteries throughout your body. People with PAD are six to seven times more likely to die from coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular events. Early detection through cholesterol testing and prompt treatment can prevent these devastating outcomes and preserve both limb function and overall quality of life.

Question 8

Can peripheral artery disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral artery disease itself cannot be diagnosed with a blood test alone. PAD is typically diagnosed through physical examination, measurement of pulses in your legs, the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test that compares blood pressure in your ankle to your arm, or imaging tests like ultrasound or angiography. However, blood tests like the Direct LDL cholesterol test are vital for identifying the underlying risk factors that cause PAD and for monitoring how well treatment is working. These blood tests help your doctor understand your cardiovascular risk profile and adjust medications to prevent disease progression and reduce complications.

Question 9

How is peripheral artery disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral artery disease treatment focuses on managing symptoms and stopping disease progression through lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle modifications include quitting smoking, exercising regularly through supervised walking programs, eating a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat, and losing weight if needed. Medications typically include cholesterol-lowering statins to reduce LDL levels, antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel to prevent blood clots, and blood pressure medications. Some people benefit from medications that improve walking distance, like cilostazol. In severe cases, minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty and stenting or surgical bypass may be necessary to restore blood flow to the affected limbs.

Question 10

How can I prevent peripheral artery disease?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent peripheral artery disease by maintaining healthy cholesterol levels through diet and medication if needed, quitting smoking or never starting, controlling blood pressure and blood sugar if you have diabetes, exercising regularly with at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days, and maintaining a healthy weight. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium. Regular health screenings to monitor cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar help catch problems early. If you have risk factors like diabetes or a family history of heart disease, work closely with your healthcare provider to manage these conditions aggressively before PAD develops.

Question 11

What can I do at home for peripheral artery disease?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can manage peripheral artery disease by following a structured walking program, starting with short walks and gradually increasing distance even if you experience leg pain, which helps develop collateral circulation. Take meticulous care of your feet by inspecting them daily for cuts, blisters, or sores, keeping them clean and moisturized, wearing well-fitting shoes, and seeing a podiatrist for nail care if needed. Elevate your legs when sitting to reduce swelling, but avoid keeping your legs elevated while sleeping if you have pain at rest. Keep your legs warm but avoid heating pads that could burn skin with reduced sensation. Follow your prescribed medication regimen consistently, especially statins and antiplatelet drugs, and monitor your cholesterol levels regularly to track treatment effectiveness.

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 Artery Disease Blood Test

What is Peripheral artery disease?

What causes peripheral artery disease?

What is the best test for peripheral artery disease?

When should I get tested for peripheral artery disease?

References

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