Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), otherwise known as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the arteries become narrower, blood flow to the extremities and organs may be reduced. PVD is caused by atherosclerosis, the same condition that cause narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
Patients who have heart disease are at a greater risk to develop PVD and the risk factors are the same. Many people experience no detectable symptoms. When there are symptoms they may vary depending on which arteries are affected by the disease. Some commonly affected arteries are those in the kidneys, legs, arms and neck. Some frequently reported symptoms include claudication (dull, cramping pain in hips, thighs or calf muscle), burning or tingling in the feet, non-healing sores or ulcerations of the legs and/or feet, and changes in skin color or an extremity (reddish, bluish or pale). Treatment for PVD may require medication, lifestyle changes, interventional procedures or surgery.
For more information or to schedule a Peripheral Vascular Screening please call the Nurse Navigator at 610-220-0432.