Does peripheral vascular disease normally show up on an echo?

Not normally: Cardiac echos focus primarily on the heart structure (valves and walls) and function (contractility, ejection fraction). They do not look at the peripheral arteries. However, the same ultrasound technology is used to look at the peripheral arteries. The studies of the peripheral arteries are called lower extremity arterial duplex scans or carotid duplex scans, for example.

Specific terms: Echocardiogram is an ultrasound showing structure and function of heart. Doppler ultrasound is essential at diagnosing pvd. Same technology, but different methods. Ultrasound can show flow limitation of arteries. Anatomy can be evaluated with angiogram for treatment.

Ultrasound: Can show pad. Usually done at same time with segmental pressure test of the legs.