In peripheral vascular disease (PVD), blood vessels outside the heart and brain are affected, most commonly in the legs and feet, which are characterized by pain, numbness, and other symptoms. Peripheral Vascular Disease is a condition that reduces blood flow to the extremities, causing pain, numbness, and other symptoms.
Causes
Peripheral Vascular Disease is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) in the walls of arteries. Eventually, this plaque can narrow or block the arteries, causing blood to flow through the limbs to become obstructed. Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and family history of cardiovascular disease may also contribute to PVD.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease may vary depending on the severity and location of the arterial blockage. It is common to experience leg or buttock pain, cramps, or fatigue during physical activity (intermittent claudication). There may also be numbness or weakness in the legs, coldness or discoloration of the skin, slow-healing wounds or ulcers, or weak or absent pulses.
Diagnosis
Peripheral Vascular Disease is usually diagnosed by taking a medical history, performing a physical examination, and conducting diagnostic tests. The healthcare provider may ask about symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors, and a family history of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of a physical examination is to check pulses, measure blood pressure in the legs, and measure skin color and temperature. A Doppler ultrasound, ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, CT angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) may be ordered to evaluate blood flow.
Treatment
Peripheral Vascular Disease treatment aims to improve blood flow to the affected limbs, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications such as tissue damage or amputation. In order to achieve this, you may need to quit smoking, manage underlying medical conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure), and participate in regular exercise. The risk of blood clots can be reduced and blood flow improved by taking antiplatelet agents (for example, aspirin), cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), blood thinners, or medications that improve circulation. It may be necessary to perform procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the arteries that have been affected.
Prevention
In order to prevent peripheral vascular disease, you must adopt a healthy lifestyle and address risk factors that may contribute to its development. In addition to quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a balanced diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, exercising regularly, managing underlying medical conditions (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), and monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure, this includes quitting smoking. Further, regular check-ups with a healthcare provider and early detection and treatment of Peripheral Vascular Disease risk factors can help prevent complications.
