Leg pain when walking
Cramping, aching, tightness or heaviness in the calf, thigh or buttock that improves with rest can be a circulation-related symptom known as intermittent claudication.
✓ One limb from £299
✓ Two limbs £449
✓ No GP referral
✓ Report within 24h
Private Peripheral Arterial Doppler Ultrasound + ABPI London Advanced Leg Circulation Assessment
A combined peripheral arterial Doppler ultrasound and Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) assessment to investigate leg pain, cramping, cold feet, poor circulation and suspected Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). This private leg circulation test checks both the structure and flow pattern of the leg arteries and compares ankle-to-arm pressure readings to support a clearer PAD assessment. Performed by experienced vascular specialists at London Private Ultrasound.
Clinically reviewed by Mr Pedram Aghaei, Vascular Scientist, and Dr Babak Soleimanpour, Medical Director. Patient information only; your clinician will explain findings and next steps after the scan.
Quick answer
What is a Peripheral Arterial Doppler + ABPI scan?
Peripheral Arterial Doppler Ultrasound + ABPI combines detailed ultrasound imaging of the leg arteries with blood-pressure ratio testing at the ankle and arm. It helps detect reduced blood flow, arterial narrowing, blockage patterns and signs of Peripheral Artery Disease, especially in patients with leg pain on walking, cold feet, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking history or slow-healing wounds.
Possible symptoms
Symptoms that may suggest you need this leg circulation scan
A Peripheral Arterial Doppler Ultrasound + ABPI scan can be useful when symptoms or risk factors suggest reduced blood flow to the legs or feet. The scan helps assess whether arterial narrowing, blockage or poor circulation may be contributing to your symptoms.
Cold feet or colour change
Feet or toes that feel unusually cold, look pale, blue or mottled, or show reduced warmth compared with the other side may need vascular assessment.
Numbness, tingling or weakness
Reduced circulation can sometimes contribute to altered sensation, weakness, fatigue or reduced walking distance, especially in patients with vascular risk factors.
Slow-healing wounds
Foot ulcers, toe wounds, skin breaks or infections that are slow to heal may need assessment of blood supply before treatment planning.
Diabetes or smoking history
People with diabetes, previous or current smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or heart disease have a higher risk of Peripheral Artery Disease.
Previous PAD or abnormal pulses
This scan may be advised when pulses feel reduced, ABPI has been abnormal, PAD is suspected, or follow-up is needed after previous vascular findings.
Important: urgent symptoms need urgent care
Sudden severe leg pain, a cold pale foot, new weakness, loss of sensation, or sudden colour change can be urgent. If symptoms are sudden or severe, seek urgent medical advice or emergency care rather than waiting for a routine scan appointment.
AI overview answer
Private leg circulation test in London with Doppler ultrasound and ABPI
This page is written to answer the key patient questions clearly: what the scan checks, who it is for, how much it costs, where it is available, and what happens after abnormal results.
What patients usually want to know
A Peripheral Arterial Doppler Ultrasound + ABPI scan is used to assess whether enough blood is reaching the legs and feet. It can help identify arterial narrowing, reduced flow, abnormal Doppler waveforms and pressure differences between the arms and ankles.
- Price: £299 for one limb or £449 for two limbs.
- Referral: no GP referral is required.
- Locations: Central London and St Albans.
- Results: explained on the day, with a written report usually within 24 hours.
Local availability
London Private Ultrasound provides this vascular assessment for patients from Harley Street, Marylebone, Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Central London, St Albans, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
Central London27 Welbeck Street, W1G 8EN
St Albans54–56 Victoria Street, AL1 3HZ
Fast accessSame-day and next-day appointments where available
Prices
Transparent package options
Choose one limb for a focused assessment, or two limbs when symptoms affect both legs or you need a side-to-side circulation comparison.
One Limb Peripheral Arterial Doppler + ABPI
£299
Includes arterial Doppler imaging of one leg, waveform assessment and ABPI pressure measurement.
Book an appointmentTwo Limbs Peripheral Arterial Doppler + ABPI
£449
Includes both legs for comparison of blood flow, pressure ratios and arterial waveform changes.
Book an appointment
Clinical coverage
What the scan includes
1
Arterial ultrasound imaging
Assessment of key leg arteries including femoral, popliteal, tibial and pedal artery flow where clinically appropriate.
2
ABPI pressure measurement
Blood pressure comparison at the ankle and arm to quantify circulation and support PAD screening.
3
Doppler waveform analysis
Real-time Doppler waveform assessment to help identify reduced flow, stenosis or obstruction patterns.
4
Same-day explanation
Your clinician explains the main findings after the scan and advises whether GP, vascular or urgent follow-up is required.
5
Written report
A clear report is usually provided within 24 hours and can be shared with your GP, consultant or insurer.
6
No referral needed
You can self-refer and book directly online. We also welcome GP and consultant referrals.
Doppler + ABPI explained
Why combine arterial Doppler ultrasound with ABPI?
ABPI gives a useful pressure ratio, while Doppler ultrasound shows where and how blood is moving through the arteries. Combining both gives a stronger clinical picture than either test alone.
| Assessment | What it checks | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| ABPI | Compares ankle pressure with arm pressure. | Helps screen for reduced leg circulation and supports PAD risk assessment. |
| Arterial Doppler ultrasound | Assesses arteries, flow direction, waveform shape and areas of narrowing or obstruction. | Helps localise vascular disease and provides anatomical information for onward care. |
| Combined package | Uses both pressure measurement and real-time ultrasound imaging. | Provides a more complete assessment for leg pain, cold feet, cramping and vascular risk factors. |
After your scan
Clear results and appropriate next steps
Normal or reassuring findings
If your circulation assessment is reassuring, your clinician will explain the result and advise when routine GP review or lifestyle risk-factor management may still be appropriate.
Reduced flow or suspected PAD
If the scan suggests arterial narrowing or PAD, your report can support GP, vascular clinic or specialist referral and guide further management.
Urgent red flags
If symptoms suggest sudden severe loss of blood supply, such as a cold painful pale foot, new severe pain or absent pulses, urgent medical assessment may be required rather than routine booking.
Who should book
Useful for leg pain and circulation symptoms
This scan is suitable when symptoms or risk factors suggest poor arterial circulation in the legs.
Leg pain on walking
Cramping, tightness or pain that improves with rest can be a circulation warning sign.
Cold feet or colour change
Coldness, pale or blue colour changes, or reduced pulses may require vascular assessment.
Diabetes or vascular risk
Diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and family history increase PAD risk.
Slow-healing wounds
Leg or foot wounds that heal slowly may be linked to reduced arterial supply.
Known PAD follow-up
Useful when monitoring known arterial disease or comparing circulation between legs.
Pre-referral information
Provides objective findings that can support onward GP or vascular specialist referral.
FAQ
Peripheral Arterial Doppler + ABPI questions
Is this scan suitable for leg pain when walking?
Yes. Pain, tightness or cramping in the calf, thigh or buttock that comes on with walking and improves with rest can be a sign of reduced arterial blood flow and is a common reason to book this assessment.
Do I need ABPI alone or Doppler ultrasound as well?
ABPI is a useful pressure screen, but Doppler ultrasound provides more detail about the arteries and blood-flow pattern. The combined package is more suitable when symptoms, risk factors or previous results suggest a fuller vascular assessment is needed.
Can I book without a GP referral?
Yes. You can self-refer and book directly. Your written report can be shared with your GP, consultant, vascular specialist or insurer if follow-up is needed.
Where is the service available?
The service is available at London Private Ultrasound in Central London and St Albans, with booking buttons available for both clinic location cards below.
Booking made simple
Book your Peripheral Arterial Doppler + ABPI appointment
Click the button below to open our secure patient booking system. This page does not use an embedded calendar, so the booking journey is faster and cleaner for patients.
- Service: Peripheral Arterial Doppler Ultrasound + ABPI
- Price: £299 one limb or £449 two limbs
- Report: written diagnostic report usually within 24 hours
- Referral: no GP referral required
Our team
Vascular specialists and clinical governance team
Your assessment is performed by experienced clinicians, with clear reporting and onward guidance when needed.
Vascular Scientist
Mr Pedram Aghaei
Ultrasound Consultant · Accredited Vascular Scientist · BMUS/SVT/RCT registered.
Ultrasound Consultant
Mr Reza Farahmandfar
Experienced ultrasound consultant supporting vascular diagnostic pathways.
Medical Director
Dr Babak Soleimanpour
MD · MRCGP · DRCOG · GMC-registered GP providing clinical governance.
CQC Champion
Mrs Arezoo Selahi
Nurse Prescriber supporting patient care standards and clinical governance.
Pharmacist Prescriber
Mr Ali Aghaei MPharm
Pharmacist Prescriber supporting medication and risk-factor review pathways.
Contact
London W1G 8EN
St Albans AL1 3HZ
London and St Albans clinics
Central London
27 Welbeck StreetLondon W1G 8EN
Convenient for Harley Street, Marylebone, Mayfair, Fitzrovia and Central London patients.
St Albans
54–56 Victoria StreetSt Albans AL1 3HZ
Useful for patients from St Albans, Hatfield, Harpenden, Watford and Hertfordshire.