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Hello there, 

Blocked arteries in your legs can hide in plain sight. At first, there may be no symptoms—just mild cramping, fatigue, or heaviness that’s easy to brush off. But as circulation worsens, even a small cut on your foot may not heal. It can turn into an ulcer and, in severe cases, lead to amputation.

This is more common than many realize: peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects about 1 in 5 people over age 60, especially those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease.

What is PAD?

PAD occurs when fatty deposits build up in the arteries of the legs, restricting blood flow. It’s not just a leg problem—it’s often a warning sign of widespread atherosclerosis that can also narrow arteries in the heart and brain.

Why early detection matters:

• Prevents small wounds from becoming limb-threatening ulcers

• Preserves mobility and quality of life

• Reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke

• Improves survival rates — many people with PAD die within 5–10 years of diagnosis, most often from cardiovascular causes

The new foot scan: a faster way to spot trouble

A new study from the University of Surrey has found that a quick, cuff-free ultrasound scan could detect circulation problems in under a minute—using equipment many clinics already own.

This is a clinic-based test, not something to use at home. For patients, that means it could be added to a routine visit at a primary care office, foot clinic, or diabetes center—making early PAD detection faster, easier, and part of regular care.

How it works:

• Uses handheld Doppler ultrasound to measure how quickly blood surges through arteries in the foot—a pattern called the acceleration index

• Converts this reading into an estimated toe–brachial index (TBI), the gold-standard measure of foot circulation

• Matched the accuracy of traditional TBI results in 88% of cases

• Requires no toe cuff or optical sensor and takes less than one minute

Why it matters:

• Works with both hospital-grade ultrasound and small pocket Doppler devices often found in primary care and foot clinics

• Tracks recovery: estimated TBI rose almost identically to measured TBI after angioplasty, meaning it could monitor treatment progress

• Could be automated for use by non-specialists, making PAD checks more accessible in community clinics, diabetes centers, and rural areas

PAD and Angiogenesis

Healthy angiogenesis—the growth of new blood vessels—is essential for healing wounds and restoring circulation after blockages. PAD disrupts this process by narrowing or blocking arteries, limiting oxygen delivery to tissues.

Detecting PAD early gives doctors the chance to restore blood flow before severe tissue damage occurs, preserving the body’s ability to heal and lowering the risk of amputation.

The takeaway? This one-minute, cuff-free scan could make circulation checks faster, simpler, and more widely available—helping protect mobility, prevent amputations, and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Want a practical place to start?

Download our free guide featuring 3 simple ways to boost leg and foot circulation

Stay connected with us to receive the latest on evidence-based research, advancements in healthcare, and practical tips.

Best wishes,
- The Angiogenesis Foundation

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