Peripheral vascular disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), is a circulatory condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs.

Causes

PVD is often caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits in the artery walls. Other causes can include blood clots or inflammation in the blood vessels.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PVD can include leg pain when walking, numbness in the legs or feet, and sores on the legs or feet that do not heal. However, many people with PVD do not experience any symptoms.

Diagnosis

PVD can be diagnosed through a variety of tests, including a physical exam, an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, ultrasound, angiography, and blood tests.

Treatment

Treatment for PVD can include lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery. Lifestyle changes can include quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. Medications can help control blood pressure and cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, and relieve symptoms. Surgery or minimally invasive procedures can be used to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels.

See also

• Atherosclerosis
• Blood clot
• Inflammation
• Ankle-brachial index
• Ultrasound
• Angiography
• Blood tests