Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a circulation disorder that affects blood vessels outside of the heart and brain, often those that supply the arms and legs. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. The main goals for treatment of PVD are to control the symptoms and halt the progression of the disease to … Learn more about how you can keep PAD in check. Organic PVD means there’s change in the structure of your blood vessels. Some of the tests your doctor may rely on to diagnose peripheral artery disease are:To get a blood pressure reading, your doctor uses a regular blood pressure cuff and a special ultrasound device to evaluate blood pressure and flow.You may walk on a treadmill and have readings taken before and immediately after exercising to capture the severity of the narrowed arteries during walking.Catheter angiography is a more invasive procedure that involves guiding a catheter through an artery in your groin to the affected area and injecting the dye that way. Your doctor may recommend a program of supervised exercise training for you, also known as cardiac rehabilitation. They include:If a person suspects they have PVD, it is essential that they see a doctor. You may have to begin slowly, but simple walking regimens, leg exercises and treadmill exercise programs can ease symptoms. In PVD, the narrowed vessels can only supply a limited amount of blood. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor.Your time with your doctor may be limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time together. 2. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). These treatments can also help reduce your risk of developing other types of cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as: coronary heart disease. Blood clots may form on the artery walls, further decreasing the inner size of the blood vessel and block off major arteries.People with coronary artery disease (CAD) often also have PVD.A risk factor increases your chance of developing a disease. Peripheral arterial disease is a term used to describe a narrowing or occlusion of the peripheral arteries, affecting the blood supply to the lower limbs.
A graft can be a blood vessel (vein) from another part of the body or a man-made substitute (graft).In some cases, angioplasty or surgery may be necessary to treat peripheral artery disease that's causing claudication:Your doctor may also insert a mesh framework called a stent in the artery to help keep it open. In rare cases, amputation may be necessary. It may occur in one or both legs depending on the location of the clogged or narrowed artery.Changes in the skin, including decreased skin temperature, or thin, brittle, shiny skin on the legs and feetWounds that won't heal over pressure points, such as heels or anklesPain (described as burning or aching) at rest, commonly in the toes and at night while lying flatSevere pain when the artery is very narrow or blockedThe symptoms of PVD may look like other conditions. Ask your doctor about treatments to help improve blood flow and decrease pain.Complications from undiagnosed and untreated PVD can be serious and even life-threatening. Common causes of this include:In general, the risk factors for PVD are similar to those for arteriosclerosis. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. This causes symptoms, most notably leg pain when walking (claudication).Peripheral artery disease is also likely to be a sign of a … Side effects are rare with this medication, but it’s generally less effective than cilostazol.A graft is used to redirect blood flow around a blocked or narrowed artery.