Overview

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a slow yet progressive circulatory disorder. PVD affects blood vessels outside the heart (the arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels). Peripheral vascular disease is likely to occur due to atherosclerosis, a condition that develops from the accumulation of plaque within the arterial wall. Plaque restricts blood flow to the extremities and limits nutrients and oxygen for healthy tissue to thrive.

Warning Signs

• Leg cramps
• Change in texture and temperature of the skin
• Strained pulse in the feet and legs
• Necrotic tissue due to poor blood flow (gangrene)
• Wounds over the heels and ankles that fail to heal
• Pain in the toes when resting flat on the bed at night
• Thickened toenails
• Limited mobility

Causes

Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of peripheral vascular disease, which reduces the size of blood vessels and obstructs major arteries.

Other related causes of PVD include the following:

• Arm or leg injuries
• Infection
• Coronary artery disease increases the risk of peripheral vascular disease

Treatment

Treatment aims to slow the advancement of the disease and manage symptoms of PVD.

Treatment for PVD includes the following:

• Lifestyle modifications in order to significantly reduce potential risks leading to PVD, such as an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle and smoking.
• Management of chronic conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Angioplasty is the insertion of a catheter through the artery to widen the opening for continuous, uninterrupted blood flow in the area.
  There are various types of angioplasties, such as the following:
  • A balloon angioplasty is the insertion and inflation of a surgical balloon inside an obstructed artery.
  • Atherectomy involves shaving the obstructed region of the artery using a small device connected to the catheter.
  • A laser angioplasty uses a laser to eradicate the obstruction inside the artery.
  • A stent is a small coil used to expand the inside of the artery.