Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), refers to any disease or disorder of the circulatory system outside of the brain and heart. The term can include any disorder that affects the blood vessels and is often used as a synonym for peripheral artery disease. PVD is the most common disease of the arteries and is caused by a condition called atherosclerosis, a build-up of fatty material inside the vessels, or hardening of the arteries. The build up is a gradual process and over time, the artery becomes blocked, narrowed, or weakened.

When a blockage occurs in the arteries of the heart, it’s called coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease. Most often, atherosclerosis is thought of in terms of it’s effect on arteries of the heart and of the brain. But atherosclerosis can affect any other blood vessel throughout the body.

Blood vessels in the legs are most often affected. When an artery is blocked or narrowed, the part of the body it supplies doesn’t get enough oxygen. The condition is called ischemia. Ischemia can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the organ or system that’s affected.

Symptoms range from pain, cold feet, and bluish discoloration to stroke or gangrene. If the condition is not reversed, the affected body part is injured and eventually starts to die. It’s important to find narrowed arteries before damage occurs.

Exams and Tests
Tests your doctor may use to identify or rule out PVD include Ankle/brachial index (ABI) and Angiography, or arteriography.