What are the symptoms of PAD?

The most common symptom is intermittent claudication — cramping pain in the calf, thigh, or buttock that comes on with walking and eases within minutes of rest. Severe PAD can cause rest pain, non-healing wounds, or cold, pale, or blue-tinged feet.

PAD is a marker of systemic atherosclerosis and is associated with a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Early detection and treatment of risk factors (smoking, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol) can substantially reduce these risks.

No. The scan is entirely painless. A gel is applied to the skin and a probe is moved over the legs and abdomen.

How long does the scan take?

A comprehensive PAD assessment takes 30–45 minutes. If the aorto-iliac segment is also assessed, allow up to 60 minutes.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by telephone. Same-day appointments are available Monday to Saturday.

What happens if significant PAD is found?

If significant arterial disease is detected, your written report will recommend appropriate follow-up with your GP or a vascular surgeon. In cases of severe or limb-threatening disease, your sonographer will advise on the urgency of referral.

HCPC Registered— All sonographers

CQC Compliant— Regulated clinic

Same-Day Available— Mon – Sat

Written Report— Within 24 hours

HCPC Registered

CQC Compliant

Same-Day Available

Written Report

Vascular & Cardiac

PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease) Scan

Non-invasive ultrasound assessment of the arteries supplying your legs — detecting narrowing, blockages, and reduced blood flow before they cause serious complications.

30–45 minutes

Same-day appointments

Marylebone, London W1

HCPC RegisteredCQC CompliantSame-Day AvailableWritten Report IncludedVascular & Cardiac Imaging

£235

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4.9/5 from 600+ patients

HCPC-registered sonographers

Written report within 24 hours

Same-day appointments available

CQC-compliant clinic

Understanding Your Situation

Leg Pain When Walking? It Could Be Your Arteries

Peripheral arterial disease affects approximately 1 in 5 people over the age of 60 in the UK, yet many cases go undiagnosed for years. The classic symptom — cramping leg pain that comes on with walking and eases with rest (intermittent claudication) — is often dismissed as normal ageing. A PAD scan provides a clear, non-invasive assessment of arterial blood flow to your legs, identifying disease at a stage when lifestyle changes and medical treatment can make a real difference. Our private clinic in Marylebone, Central London, is available for same-day bookings — no referral required.

Clinical Overview

What is a PAD Ultrasound Scan?

A PAD scan uses colour Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow through the arteries of the lower limbs — from the aorta and iliac arteries down to the femoral, popliteal, and tibial vessels. The scan measures arterial wall thickness, identifies atherosclerotic plaque, detects stenosis (narrowing), and assesses the severity of any flow restriction. It is often combined with ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) measurement for a comprehensive vascular assessment.

Is This Scan Right for You?

Who Should Book This Scan?

Individuals with leg pain, cramping, or fatigue when walking that eases with rest

Patients with diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol at risk of vascular disease

Smokers or ex-smokers over 50 years old

Those with non-healing leg or foot wounds or ulcers

Patients with cold, pale, or discoloured feet or legs

Anyone with a known history of cardiovascular disease wanting a peripheral vascular assessment

Diagnostic Scope

What This Scan Can Detect

Atherosclerotic Plaque

Fatty deposits in the arterial wall causing thickening, calcification, and progressive narrowing of the vessel lumen — the underlying cause of PAD.

Arterial Stenosis

Significant narrowing of the arterial lumen causing reduced blood flow, classified by severity (mild, moderate, severe) based on Doppler velocity measurements.

Arterial Occlusion

Complete blockage of an artery, causing absent blood flow distal to the occlusion and potentially threatening limb viability.

Aneurysmal Disease

Abnormal dilatation of the femoral or popliteal arteries, which can cause thrombosis, embolism, or rupture.

Collateral Circulation

Assessment of collateral vessels that have developed to bypass areas of stenosis or occlusion, indicating the chronicity and severity of disease.

Your Appointment

What Happens During Your Scan

Clinical history

Your sonographer will ask about your symptoms, walking distance, risk factors, and any previous vascular investigations or interventions.

Aorto-iliac assessment

The scan begins with assessment of the aorta and iliac arteries in the abdomen, which are common sites of proximal disease.

Femoro-popliteal assessment

The femoral and popliteal arteries in the thigh and knee are systematically assessed with B-mode imaging and colour Doppler.

Tibial vessel assessment

The tibial and peroneal arteries below the knee are assessed, which is particularly important in diabetic patients with distal disease.

Report & recommendations

All findings are explained immediately. A written report with Doppler velocity measurements and severity classification is provided before you leave.

Before Your Appointment

How to Prepare for Your Scan

1
Fast for 4–6 hours before the scan to reduce bowel gas for the aorto-iliac assessment
2
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your legs
3
Avoid smoking for at least 2 hours before the scan as it can affect vascular tone
4
Bring any previous vascular investigation results or referral letters
5
Allow 45–60 minutes for your appointment including discussion time

After Your Scan

Understanding Your PAD Scan Results

Your sonographer will explain the findings and their clinical significance immediately after the scan. Results are classified by severity: mild disease (lifestyle modification and risk factor management), moderate disease (medical therapy and specialist referral), or severe disease (urgent vascular surgery assessment). A written report with quantitative Doppler measurements is provided before you leave.

Why Private?