Peripheral Vascular Disease

There are two main types of peripheral vascular diseases -

• Functional PVD
• Organic PVD

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 - 

• Pain or discomfort in the legs, especially when walking or exercising
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Weakness in the legs
• Coldness in the feet or legs
• Sores or wounds on the feet or legs that do not heal
• Hair loss or slow growth of hair on the legs
• Shiny skin on the legs
• Weak or absent pulses in the legs or feet

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 - 

• Emotional stress
• Cold temperatures
• History of drugs
• Operating vibrating machinery or tools

Primary causes of organic peripheral vascular disease - 

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol

Other risk factors contributing to the development of PVD include - 

• Smoking
• Family history of cardiovascular disease.
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol levels

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 -

• Pain in the chest, upper back, neck, jaw, or shoulder
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Unexplained numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion causing issues while speaking or understanding
• Sudden problems with vision in one or both eyes
• Dizziness, difficulty walking, loss of balance or coordination
• Severe headache with no known cause

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 -

• Doppler ultrasound to check the blood flow in your legs
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI) test
• Angiography
• Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)

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 - 

• Angioplasty or stenting to open the blocked arteries
• Bypass surgery to reroute blood flow around the blocked area
• Amputation if the blood flow to the limb cannot be restored

BM Birla Heart Research Centre is a super speciality hospital with modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology in Kolkata. BM Birla Heart Research Centre is the only hospital offering super speciality cardiac care in the entire eastern India. With a 200+ bed capacity, cardiac rehabilitation services, cath labs and modular OTs, BM Birla Heart Research Centre has made a mark with its singular focus on the treatment of a variety of cardiac ailments. Here are a few advantages of choosing BM Birla Heart Research Centre for Congenital heart disease treatment in Kolkata:

• Highly qualified and experienced cardiologists
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• Transparent pricing structure for cost-effective treatment. 
• Patient-centric high-quality care for a high success rate

Contact our expert heart specialists at BM Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata for complete cardiac care.