Your doctor will generally review your medical and family history, risk factors and symptoms. Additionally, you may be scheduled for a series of tests and examinations or undergo a screening procedure. Symptoms can differ, but some of the most common include:

• Tenderness in chest
• Unexplained severe pain in lower back
• Pain, tingling or tiredness in legs and feet when resting
• Decrease in temperature
• Weakness or numbness in face
• Difficulty in speaking or understanding
• Trouble with vision or walking
• Sudden kidney failure or problems with kidney function
• Congestive heart failure
• Pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in lungs)

Risks factors include:

• Are over the age of 50
• Are a smoker or former smoker
• Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Have diabetes or high cholesterol
• Don’t exercise
• Have a family history of vascular disorder
• Have an illness that damages your blood vessels

At INTEGRIS Health, we use the most advanced imaging methods and diagnostic tools to determine the cause, severity and prognosis of your heart condition. Some of these diagnostic tests may include:

• Angiogram: Detects artery and vein blockages by inserting a thin tube into a leg artery and injecting contrast dye, making them visible on the X-ray.
• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): Compares ankle and arm blood pressure using a cuff and Doppler ultrasound.
• Doppler Ultrasound Flow Studies: Utilizes high-frequency sound waves and a computer to image blood vessels, tissues, and organs.
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): Utilizes a large magnet, radio frequencies, and a computer to create detailed images of body organs and structures.
• Treadmill Exercise Test: During this test your doctor will monitor your blood circulation as you walk on a treadmill.
• Photoplethysmography (PPG): Uses a small blood pressure cuff on the toe and a PPG sensor to assess blood flow.
• Pulse Volume Recording (PVR) Waveform Analysis: Calculates blood volume changes in the legs using a recording device that displays the results as a waveform.
• Reactive Hyperemia Test: Measures blood pressure at the thighs and ankles to check for any decrease between the sites.

When found early, most types of vascular disease can be successfully treated or managed. Treatment can include medication management and lifestyle changes. For more serious cases, procedures can be performed to repair an aneurysm or restore blood flow to an artery.

Part of heart and vascular care includes managing heart disease and preventing further deterioration to help you live the fullest life possible. To accomplish that, we’ll provide you with education, continued care options and programs even after you are discharged including:

• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Heart Education
• Anticoagulation Management Clinic
• Heart Care Program
• Integrative Medicine
• Palliative Care