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Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral Vascular Disease Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is characterized by a narrowing of the vessels that carry oxygenated blood to our limbs. This lack of oxygen to our muscles or tissues causes leg pain or claudication. The narrowing is caused by atherosclerosis or a build up of plaque in our arteries or trauma. People who are diagnosed with coronary heart disease are also often diagnosed with PAD or PVD.
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Male gender
  • Post menopausal women
  • Smoking
  • Age
  • Obesity
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Lack of exercise
  • High cholesterol
  • Family history
  • Thigh, hip, buttock, calf or foot discomfort when you walk that is relieved when you rest
  • Pain at rest in your lower legs or feet
  • Pale, discolored or bluish tone to your feet or toes
  • Toe or foot pain that awakens you from sleep
  • Skin wounds or ulcers on your feet or toes that are slow to heal
  • Diminished pulses in your feet
  • Blackened skin or gangrene
  • Thick, white toenails
  • Paleness in legs when elevated (pallor)
  • Hair loss on the legs
  • Decreased skin temperature
  • Amputation
  • Heart attack
  • Limited mobility due to pain or discomfort
  • Severe pain
  • Stroke
  • Wounds that do not heal

Your doctor will work with you on these health related issues:

  • Smoking cessation
  • Cholesterol reduction, by means of dietary changes and medications
  • Weight loss
  • Exercise plans
  • Medications to reduce your risk of blood clots
  • Medications and lifestyle changes to control diabetes
  • Medications and lifestyle changes to reduce blood pressure