I am experiencing circulation problems in my legs and hands. I am an insulin dependent type 2 diabetic, morbidly obese and also suffer from high blood pressure and possibly heart disease. I am an African American female age 54. How is the PVR test conducted and what would the treatment from the results of the test be?

Pulse Volume Recordings, PVR, is a non invasive vascular test to measure blood flow in the extremities. It is done using several blood pressure cuffs which are places on different parts of the arms and legs.

A gel is applied to the skin so that it is easier for the Doppler device to measure the speed of blood moving through your blood vessels using sound waves. The sound waves are also displayed on a screen, further aiding in an assessment.

Some PVR tests may include some mild physical exercise on a tread mill.