Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), is a condition that affects the blood vessels outside the heart and brain. This disease is characterised by a narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the limbs, especially the legs. PVD can cause various symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe pain and even limb loss.
Peripheral vascular disease is a serious condition that can lead to a range of complications, including limb loss. If you experience any of the symptoms associated with PVD, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Get in touch with our experts to get effective treatment for peripheral vascular disease.
There are two main types of peripheral vascular diseases -
In functional peripheral vascular disease, there’s no physical damage to the structure of blood vessels. The blood vessels become narrow which causes blood flow to decrease. On the other hand, organic peripheral vascular diseases involve changes in the blood vessel structure.
The symptoms of peripheral vascular disease may vary depending on the severity of the condition. The most common symptoms include -
Peripheral vascular disease is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the limbs. This plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances that can accumulate on the walls of the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. This condition is known as atherosclerosis, and it is the leading cause of peripheral vascular disease.
Causes of functional Peripheral vascular disease -
Primary causes of organic peripheral vascular disease -
Other risk factors contributing to the development of PVD include -
Peripheral vascular disease is a common condition in people with diabetes. Since men are at an increased risk of getting PVD, it is essential to get a regular health checkup to ensure proper management of the symptoms. Get in touch with a doctor for peripheral vascular disease treatment if you experience the following -
Peripheral vascular disease can be diagnosed through a physical exam and a range of tests. During a physical exam, your doctor will check the pulses in your legs and feet and look for any signs of skin changes or sores. Diagnostic tests before peripheral vascular disease include -
The treatment for peripheral vascular disease aims to reduce the symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of complications. Medications, such as antiplatelet agents and cholesterol-lowering drugs, may also be prescribed to help manage the condition. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to improve blood flow to the affected limbs. This may involve -
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Diabetes affects the lining of the cells in the blood vessels which are required for smooth blood flow. This can increase the risk of peripheral vascular diseases.
Smoking cigarette induces chemicals in the body causing the blood vessels to become swollen and inflamed.
There is no known cure for peripheral arterial disease. However, there are certain lifestyle changes and medications which can help manage the symptoms of PAD. Moreover, other treatment options can reduce the risk of progressing the condition.
This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who have a higher risk or are too sick, or too old for open heart surgery. It was first tested in 2002 on patients with severe aortic stenosis (a narrowing of the aortic valve opening), who were considered unfit for open heart surgery.
Heart failure is a serious condition marked by the inefficiency of the heart muscles to pump blood to different parts of the body. Also referred to as congestive heart failure, the condition can prove to be life-threatening if not addressed immediately. Such patients are often recommended to undergo a heart transplant, a surgical procedure that involves the replacement of a diseased or non-functional part of the patient’s heart with a healthy heart taken from a deceased donor.
Over the past few decades, various innovations and advancements in the field of cardiology have helped us to learn more and more about the human heart, its functioning, and the diseases that affect it.