Peripheral Vascular Disease

What is peripheral vascular disease?

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), commonly called peripheral artery disease (PAD), is characterized by narrowed arteries and reduced blood flow to your legs and arms. The condition can cause bothersome symptoms or complications linked to reduced blood flow in your extremities. 

Treatment at Jain Cardiovascular helps minimize symptoms and the risk of a stroke, blood clots, a heart attack, or other heart or blood vessel concerns. 

What are the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease?

The symptoms of peripheral vascular disease include:

• Leg pain upon walking (claudication)
• Trouble walking
• Numbness
• Muscle cramping or pain in your legs or arms
• Cramping in the hips or calves after exercise
• Coldness in your lower legs or feet
• Muscle weakness
• Weak pulse in your feet or legs
• Shiny skin
• Leg discoloration
• Erectile dysfunction (ED) in men
• Slow-growing toenails
• Non-healing foot sores
• Slowed hair growth on your legs

The pain experienced as a result of peripheral vascular disease ranges in severity from mild to severe. It could make exercise and even sleep more difficult. 

What increases the risk of peripheral vascular disease?

Examples of peripheral vascular disease risk factors include:

• Atherosclerosis
• Limb injuries
• Inflammation or irritation in the blood vessels
• Radiation exposure
• Muscle or ligament changes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking 
• Family history of peripheral vascular disease, stroke, or heart disease
• Aging

The best way to minimize the chance of developing peripheral vascular disease is to maintain an ideal weight, avoid smoking, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and effectively manage any chronic diseases. 

How is peripheral vascular disease diagnosed?

Dr. Jain discusses your symptoms, medical history, and goals to establish the best way to treat peripheral vascular disease. He completes a physical exam to evaluate your arms, legs, and feet. He may suggest you undergo blood tests, ankle-brachial index (ABI), leg ultrasound, or angiography.

How is peripheral vascular disease treated?

Dr. Jain customizes a peripheral vascular disease treatment plan that achieves the best possible outcome. He may suggest:

• Healthy lifestyle modifications
• Oral medications
• Injections
• Surgery

In severe cases, you may need an angioplasty with stent placement or bypass surgery to widen, unblock, or bypass clogged vessels.

Dr. Jain helps you effectively manage high blood pressure and cholesterol to reduce worsening peripheral vascular disease or prevent it altogether. Follow up with Dr. Jain to ensure an effective, long-lasting outcome with a low risk of complications.

Schedule a peripheral vascular disease evaluation with Dr. Jain at Jain Cardiovascular by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.