Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), otherwise referred to as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) refers to the narrowing of blood vessels outside the heart.

Causes

PVD results from atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of plaque in arteries.

Our vascular surgeons offer a full spectrum of vascular treatments for all peripheral vascular conditions and diseases, including blocked arteries, aneurysms, and strokes. Our devoted team of surgeons and nurses will provide you with holistic care and treatment.

Signs and symptoms

People with PVD typically do not show symptoms. Possible symptoms may include:

• Numbness or pain in the legs, especially during exercise
• Diminished pulses in the limbs
• Poor limb wound healing
• Pale or bluish discolouration of the limbs’ skin
• Reduced skin temperature or coldness at the afflicted body part
• Loss of hair on the legs
• Impotence

Risk factors

• Older age
• Smoking
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Heart disease

Diagnosis

• Evaluation of medical and family history
• Physical examination
• Angiography
• Arteriography
• Ultrasound (used to assist your doctor in observing the blood flow in your vein)
• Magnetic resonance angiogram: Produces images of blood vessels via magnetic resonance imaging

Treatment

• PVD can be treated with medications that improve blood flow, lower claudication (limb cramps brought on by blood artery obstruction), reduce cholesterol levels or prevent blood clotting
• Invasive angiogram (inserting a catheter in to inject dye into the arteries so they can be seen on an X-ray)
• Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (a catheter is inserted and a balloon is inflated to widen a narrowed region in the artery)
• Bypass surgery or endarterectomy

Prevention

The risk of PVD can be controlled by making lifestyle changes. These include:

• Frequently exercising
• Practising a healthy diet (high fibre, low fat diet)
• Quitting smoking
• Controlling risk factors e.g., high blood pressure and diabetes
• Keeping your weight in check
• Taking medications as advised
• Looking after your injuries or wounds

Visit your nearest Gleneagles Hospital to learn more about our Cardiology Services

References:

1. Peripheral vascular disease. Available at https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/peripheral-vascular-disease [Accessed on 9 May 2022]
2. Peripheral vascular disease. Available at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/peripheral-vascular-disease# [Accessed on 9 May 2022]
3. Peripheral vascular disease: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2006;73(11):1971-6.