Overview

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), also known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is a condition that affects the blood vessels outside the heart and brain. It primarily involves the narrowing or blockage of arteries that supply blood to the extremities, including the legs, arms, and sometimes the abdomen. The blog focuses on understanding this medical issue and its effects.

Causes of Peripheral Vascular Disease

Mentioned below are causes of Peripheral Vascular Disease that help the affected individual understand the root issue of the occurrence of the disease:

- Atherosclerosis- The accumulation of plaque in blood vessels supplying blood and oxygen is known as atherosclerosis. Accumulation of a high amount of plaque obstructs the smooth flow of blood and other vital nutrients. It can happen due to medical issues such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking or chewing tobacco, and other similar issues.
- Diabetes- Diabetes is one of the biggest causes of Peripheral Vascular Disease. Diabetes damages the inner lining of the blood vessels, making them narrow. As a result, it obstructs the blood flow along with oxygen and other nutrients. People with high diabetes are always advised to have a healthy lifestyle to avoid multiple health issues.
- Smoking- Smoking is one of the biggest reasons for damaged blood vessels. The unhealthy habit weakens the blood vessels' flexibility, making blood circulation a hassled task. In addition, smokers are more prone to getting affected by the disease than healthy individuals.

Symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease

Mentioned below are the Peripheral Vascular Disease Symptoms that can help the affected individual identify the disease in the initial stages and begin the treatment:

- Aching Pain- One of the initial and identifiable symptoms of the disease is aching pain in the limbs and arms. The pain is observed due to the restricted blood flow due to narrowed blood vessels. The condition is also termed claudication. Continuous pain is also observed due to fatty deposits in the blood vessels.
- Cold Feet- Cold and numb feet are another disorder symptom. It happens due to an improper supply of blood and oxygen to the affected part. The condition is also observed due to narrowed blood flow and low flexibility of the cells lining the blood vessels.
- Pain in the Toe- Pain in the toe, even when the individual is not walking or performing an activity, is the worst symptom of vascular disease. The pain occurs due to improper supply or obstructed blood circulation. In case the treatment for the pain is procrastinated, the pain may also be observed in the legs and limbs.
- Redness of the Skin- The obstructed blood flow increases vessel pressure. The condition reflects in the form of redness of the skin. Immediately redness of the skin can be observed on the affected part of the body. The condition can also be accompanied with different other skin issues.
- Gangrene- Low nutrient-rich blood and oxygen supply to any body part may cause gangrene. The disastrous condition happens in the worst scenarios. Therefore, medical conditions such as abrupt skin redness, aching pain in the toe and limbs, and similar conditions should always be checked by a medical practitioner.

Treatment for Peripheral Vascular Disease

Mentioned below are different types of Peripheral Vascular Disease Treatment options that help to lower the symptoms of the disease:

- Medications- Antihypertensive and Statin medications help to lower high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, and other similar health hazards. Medicines such as aspirin or cilostazol help to lower the pain in the toe or legs caused due to the disease.
- Exercise- Planned exercise for different types of health conditions helps to get over the symptoms of the disease. Walking is an excellent form of exercise to eliminate the disease. It helps to lower the aching and continuous pain in the limb or the toe. Exercise also helps to increase the distance of walking gradually.
- Planned Diet- A well-planned diet with a balanced amount of sodium, fibre, fats, and other nutrient components helps lower the fatty deposits in the blood vessels. As a result, it helps in easy blood circulation and lowers the disease's symptoms.
- Lower Stress Levels- Stress leads to high blood pressure that is directly linked to the symptoms of the disease. Customised diet, exercise, and meditation can help lower stress levels and calm the affected individual. Such practices also help to improve blood circulation and enhance the internal and external systems of the body.

Risk Factors of Peripheral Vascular Disease

Mentioned below are the risk factors of Peripheral Vascular Disease that make the individual more prone to get affected:

- Smoking
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol Level
- Diabetes

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert cardiology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

FAQs:

Q. What is Peripheral Vascular Disease? A. Lower blood circulation due to narrow, blockage, or spasm in the blood vessel providing blood and oxygen is known as  Peripheral Vascular Disease. 

Q. What are the causes of Peripheral Vascular Disease? A. Family history of the disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and smoking are common causes of the disease.

Q. What are the symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease? A. Aching pain in the limbs and toes, redness of the skin, cold feet, and gangrene are some of the symptoms of vascular disease.

Q. What are the risk factors of Peripheral Vascular Disease? A. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are some risk factors for Peripheral Vascular Disease. 

Overview

Causes of Peripheral Vascular Disease

Symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease