Because PAD reduces blood flow to the feet and legs, detecting pulses in the lower extremities can become challenging, particularly in the feet. In some cases, pulses may be completely absent. Healthcare professionals often assess this symptom using a diagnostic method known as the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which measures the perfusion of the arteries in the lower extremities.
This test provides valuable information about the severity of blood flow restriction. An absent or weak pulse during a physical exam is a key indicator of PAD and may warrant further investigation.

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