MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at:
Peripheral Vascular Disease
When blood vessels outside of the heart and brain, such as arteries and veins in the legs, arms, stomach or kidneys become damaged this is know as peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The leading cause of peripheral vascular disease is from plaque buildup in arteries and veins which narrows blood vessels in the arms, abdomen and legs—known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). Stress, smoking, cold temperatures and working with vibrating machinery can also damage blood vessels and cause peripheral vascular disease.
Conditions associated with peripheral vascular disease include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of PVD vary, depending on the affected area, but may include:- Cramping or fatigue in the arms or legs while walking.
- Non-healing sores on the feet or legs.
- Pain in the feet while in bed.
- Numbness and tingling.
- Severe abdominal and/or back pain.
Risk Factors
You might be at risk for PVD if you:- Smoke or have been a smoker.
- Are diabetic.
- Are over the age of 50.
- Have high blood pressure (hypertension).
- Have high cholesterol.
- Are overweight.
- Are inactive.
- Have a family history of cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease.
Screenings
Make an Appointment
MemorialCare provides low cost, noninvasive vascular screenings to detect PVD.
Peripheral vascular disease screenings
MemorialCare provides low cost, noninvasive vascular screenings to detect PVD.
Peripheral vascular disease screenings
Diagnosis
To diagnose PVD a wide range of tests and procedures can be performed including:- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
- Arterial Duplex Scan
- Carotid Ultrasound
- Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)
- Peripheral Angiography
- Venous Duplex Scan
Treatments
Lifestyle Changes- If you smoke, quit.
- Regular exercise.
- Control high cholesterol.
- Control high blood pressure.
- Control diabetes.
- Peripheral Vascular Surgery
- Carotid Endartectomy Surgery
- Aortic Repair Surgery
- Complex Aneurysm Surgery
- Complex Extracranial Cerebrovascular Surgery
- Complex Renal Vascular Surgery
