Arterial plethysmography is a test that measures the blood flow in the arteries of the arms and legs. You may have this test to:

  • Check for a blockage in an artery (arterial occlusive disease). Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

  • Monitor treatment of arterial occlusive disease.

  • Help diagnose a blood vessel condition.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

  • Any tobacco or nicotine use.

  • Any bleeding problems you have.

  • Any surgeries you have had.

  • Any medical conditions you have.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe test. There are no known risks or complications that arise from having this test.

What happens before the test?

Medicines

Ask your health care provider about:

  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.

  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.

  • Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

General instructions

  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco for at least 30 minutes before the test. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes.

  • You will have to remove all clothing from the arm and leg that are being tested.

  • You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.

What happens during the test?

Body outline showing the arteries. Blood pressure cuffs are on the arms, thighs, knees, and ankles.
  • Blood pressure cuffs may be placed on:

    • Your arms.

    • Your ankles, calves, and thighs.

  • The cuffs will be used to measure the pressure inside your arteries when your heart pumps (systolic blood pressure).

  • A device called a pulse volume recorder will be used to measure the pulses in your arteries. The recorder makes a graph of your pulse readings.

  • The pulse waves or blood pressure readings from your arms will be compared to the pulse waves or blood pressure readings from your legs.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What can I expect after the test?

  • It is up to you to get your test results. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test, when your results will be ready.

  • Talk with your health care provider about what your test results mean and the next steps.

Summary

  • Arterial plethysmography is a test that measures the blood flow in the arteries of the arms and legs.

  • Blood pressure cuffs may be placed on your arms and legs. The cuffs will be used to measure the pressure inside your arteries when your heart pumps (systolic blood pressure).

  • The pulse waves or blood pressure readings from your arms will be compared to the pulse waves or blood pressure readings from your legs.

  • Talk with your health care provider about what your test results mean and the next steps.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.