Definition
Peripheral vascular disease is a group of diseases characterized by restricted or blocked blood vessels. Peripheral vascular disease, known as PVD, commonly occurs in the legs but can also be seen in the arms. Peripheral vascular disease is generally caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty plaques form inside the walls of the blood vessel, restricting proper blood flow to the extremities. Peripheral vascular disease is usually a progressive disease that, in rare cases, can lead to gangrene. It may also occur suddenly if a blood clot forms within the restricted blood vessel and causes the blood flow to become blocked.
Risk Factors
Patients who smoke, have diabetes, Buerger’s disease, hypertension, and Raynaud’s disease are at a higher risk of developing peripheral vascular disease.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptom of peripheral vascular disease is pain in the affected areas. Patients may also experience an achy or tired sensation in the affected muscles, dry and scaly skin, loss of hair, absent pulses, intermittent claudication, and improper healing. Legs may also feel cold to the touch or will feel numb.
Symptoms may disappear at rest during the early stages of peripheral vascular disease. As the disease progresses, symptoms may occur during light activity and eventually all of the time.
During the most severe stages of peripheral vascular disease, gangrene may develop due to lack of blood supply.
Treatment
Smoking cessation and exercise are both essential in treatment of peripheral vascular disease. People who suffer from peripheral vascular disease should walk until pain is appears, rest until the pain disappears, and then resume walking. Surgery may be required to treat the clogged blood vessels. If gangrene is present, amputation is required to prevent death.
Prevention
To prevent peripheral vascular disease, keep blood glucose and blood pressure under tight control, keep cholesterol level within recommended ranges, and avoid smoking.
