Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)
This test is done by measuring blood pressure at the ankle and in the arm while a person is at rest. Measurements are usually repeated at both sites after 5 minutes of walking on a treadmill. The ABI result is used to predict the severity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). A slight drop in your ABI with exercise means that you may have PAD. This drop may be important, because PAD can be linked to a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. Several electrodes are attached to the skin on each arm and leg and on your chest. These are hooked to a machine which traces your heart activity.
24-hour Holter Monitor
A holter monitor is a portable EKG that monitors the electrical activity of a freely moving person’s heart, generally for one to two days, 24 hours a day.
Orthostatic Blood Pressures
Helps physician diagnose orthostatic hypotension. A nurse will measure blood pressure and pulse while lying, sitting, and standing.
PT/INR
Prothrombin time (PT) is a blood test that measures how long it takes blood to clot. A prothrombin time test can be used to check for bleeding problems. PT is also used to check whether medicine to prevent blood clots is working. INR (international normalized ratio) stands for a way of standardizing the results of prothrombin time tests, no matter the testing method, so your doctor can understand results in the same way even when they come from different labs and different test methods.