What to Know About Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease is a disease that causes restricted blood flow to the arms, legs, or other body parts. It occurs when arteries or veins get narrower, become blocked, or spasm.

If peripheral vascular disease (PVD) occurs only in the arteries, it is called peripheral artery disease (PAD). Most cases of PVD affect the arteries as well, so the terms are often interchangeable.

In this article, we take a close look at PVD, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.

Fast facts on Peripheral Vascular Disease:

• Peripheral Vascular Disease affects an estimated 1 in 20 Americans over 50 years of age.
• Common risk factors include being over 50, smoking cigarettes, and having high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• Common symptoms include pain and cramps in the legs, hips, and buttocks.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PVD affects men and women equally.
• Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are among the most common causes of PVD.

Also Read:- Best Vascular Surgeons in India

Types of peripheral vascular disease

There are two main types of peripheral vascular disease(PVD):

• Organic peripheral vascular disease(PVD) results from changes in the blood vessels caused by inflammation, plaque buildup, or tissue damage.
• Functional peripheral vascular disease(PVD) happens when blood flow decreases in response to something that causes the blood vessels to vary in size, such as brain signals or changes in body temperature. In functional peripheral vascular disease(PVD), there is no physical damage to the blood vessels.

Peripheral Vascular Disease Symptoms

Pains, aches, and cramps related to walking, which is known as claudication, might occur in the following areas:

1. buttock
2. calf
3. hip
4. thigh

Common risk factors for atherosclerosis include:

• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• high cholesterol or triglycerides
• inflammation from arthritis, lupus, or other conditions
• insulin resistance
• smoking

Risk factors

In general, the risk factors for PVD are similar to those for arteriosclerosis. They include:

• Age. People aged 50 years and over are more likely to get PVD and PAD.
• Being overweight or obese increases risk of arteriosclerosis, PVD, and other cardiovascular conditions.
• Lifestyle choices. People who smoke, use drugs, avoid exercise, or have an unhealthful diet are more likely to get PVD.
• Medical and family history. PVD risk rises for people who have a history of cerebrovascular disease or stroke. Those with a family history of high cholesterol, hypertension, or PVD are also at higher risk.
• Other medical conditions. People with high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes are at an increased risk of developing PVD.
• Race and ethnicity. African American people tend to develop PVD more frequently.

July 17, 2019