Comprehensive Lower Limb Cardiovascular Assessment

Absolute Footcare offers a detailed Lower Limb Cardiovascular Assessment, designed to evaluate blood flow, circulation, and overall vascular health in the legs. This assessment provides valuable insights into vascular conditions that can impact mobility, wound healing, and quality of life, such as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and venous insufficiency.

What’s included in the Assessment?

1. Doppler Ultrasound: Doppler ultrasound measures blood flow in the arteries and veins of your lower limbs. By detecting the speed and direction of blood flow, it identifies blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities, providing a clear picture of circulation through the legs.

2. Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI): This effective diagnostic tool compares the blood pressure at the ankle with that in the arm. A low ABPI ratio can indicate reduced blood flow due to arterial blockage, helping diagnose PAD and assess the severity of circulation issues.

3. Oxygen Level Measurement (Pulse Oximetry): Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation in the blood, offering insights into oxygen delivery to tissues in the lower limbs. Monitoring oxygen levels helps assess tissue health and can reveal circulation issues.

4. Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity to identify underlying cardiac conditions that may affect blood flow to the legs. It helps detect arrhythmias, ischemia, or other heart issues impacting lower limb circulation.

Benefits of the Lower Limb Cardiovascular Assessment

Undergoing this assessment at Absolute Footcare offers significant benefits for early detection, prevention, and management of vascular conditions. Key benefits include:

1. Early Detection of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): ABPI and Doppler ultrasound are crucial in identifying PAD, which results from reduced blood flow due to narrowed arteries. Detecting PAD early can prevent complications like leg pain during walking (claudication), ulcers, and even limb loss in severe cases.

2. Identification of Venous Insufficiency: Doppler ultrasound also reveals venous blood flow issues, such as venous insufficiency, where blood pools in the legs due to faulty vein valves. Early detection allows for effective management to prevent swelling, varicose veins, and other symptoms from progressing.

3. Assessment of Tissue Health and Oxygen Delivery: Monitoring oxygen levels through pulse oximetry helps determine how well oxygenated blood reaches leg tissues. Low oxygen levels can indicate poor circulation, affecting wound healing and increasing the risk of infections, especially for individuals with diabetes.

4. Detection of Underlying Cardiac Issues: The ECG component can uncover cardiac conditions that impact blood flow to the legs. Identifying arrhythmias, ischemia, or other heart issues allows for a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular care, addressing both heart and lower limb health.

5. Personalised Treatment and Management: Based on the assessment results, we tailor a treatment plan that may include lifestyle recommendations, medications, or referrals to specialists for further care, such as angioplasty or surgical interventions if necessary.

6. Prevention of Serious Complications: Early identification of vascular issues reduces the risk of severe complications like critical limb ischemia, which can lead to tissue damage and require major interventions. For individuals at higher risk, such as those with diabetes or a history of smoking, this assessment offers essential information for proactive health management.

Why Choose Absolute Footcare?

Our lower limb cardiovascular assessment provides a comprehensive look at your leg health, detecting conditions like PAD and venous insufficiency before they lead to serious issues. With our expertise and advanced diagnostics, we ensure effective treatment options tailored to your needs, aiming to improve mobility, enhance quality of life, and reduce the risk of complications.

Take charge of your vascular health. Contact Absolute Footcare today to schedule your lower limb cardiovascular assessment and enjoy peace of mind with a proactive approach to leg health and overall well-being.