Under the expert guidance of our Board Certified Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Mark Zuzga, our team of Vein Specialists & Vascular Experts are committed to delivering top-tier outpatient vascular & vein evaluation and treatment throughout the greater Tampa & West Florida surrounding areas. Should you find yourself dealing with leg pain, swelling, ulcers, discoloration, or the appearance of spider and varicose veins, we invite you to request a screening today
I Felt Fine, So Why Did My Doctor Recommend an Artery Screening?
It’s a common reaction.
“I don’t have any pain. I walk just fine. Why would I need an artery screening?”
The truth is that many people with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) don’t experience obvious symptoms until the disease has already progressed. In fact, some patients feel completely healthy while plaque is quietly building up inside the arteries that supply blood to their legs and feet. Because PAD is also linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, identifying it early can make a significant difference in protecting your long-term health.
Why Would My Doctor Recommend Screening?
Your physician isn’t necessarily looking for symptoms – often they’re looking at your risk factors. You may be advised to have an artery screening if you have:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- A history of smoking
- Kidney disease
- A family history of vascular disease
- Heart disease or previous stroke
- Age over 65, or over 50 with multiple cardiovascular risk factors
Even if your legs feel normal, these conditions increase the likelihood that plaque has begun narrowing your arteries.
PAD Can Be Silent
Peripheral Artery Disease develops gradually as cholesterol plaque builds inside the arteries.
Many people expect severe leg pain to be the first warning sign, but that’s often not the case. Some patients have only mild fatigue when walking, slower healing of cuts on the feet, or slightly colder feet. Others have no noticeable symptoms at all. Modern guidelines recognize that a substantial percentage of people with PAD are asymptomatic, yet still face higher cardiovascular risk.
What Happens During an Artery Screening?
At West Florida Vascular & Vein Center, artery screening is fast, painless, and non-invasive.
Depending on your individual situation, your vascular specialist may perform:
- An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test
- Doppler ultrasound
- Vascular ultrasound imaging
- Additional circulation testing if needed
These studies measure blood flow and can identify narrowing or blockages before they become serious.
Why Early Detection Matters
When artery disease is caught early, treatment is often much simpler. Early intervention may include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Better control of diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure
- Smoking cessation
- Exercise therapy
- Medications to improve circulation
- Minimally invasive vascular procedures when appropriate
The goal is not only to improve blood flow to your legs but also to reduce your overall risk of cardiovascular complications.
Don’t Ignore Your Doctor’s Recommendation
If your primary care physician recommends an artery screening, it’s not because they think something is wrong today. It’s because they want to prevent serious problems tomorrow. A simple evaluation can provide peace of mind or uncover circulation issues before they lead to pain, wounds that won’t heal, or more serious vascular disease that needs treatment.
Schedule Your Vascular Evaluation. Call our offices in Safety Harbor and Tampa Bay at 727-712-3233
At West Florida Vascular & Vein Center, our experienced vascular specialists provide comprehensive evaluations for Peripheral Artery Disease and other circulation disorders. If you’ve been referred for an artery screening (or have risk factors for vascular disease) don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
www.westfloridavascularandvein.com