When your blood supply is compromised, such as with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD), it can cause a number of long-term complications, including blood clots and varicose veins. The experienced providers at our Newark  Vein Center treat all forms of PVD, reducing your symptoms and your risk of long-term circulatory problems. For an expert evaluation, call or request an appointment online today.

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Peripheral Vascular Disease Q & A

What is peripheral vascular disease?

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Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to several conditions that affect the circulatory system outside of the heart. This includes conditions that affect the arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and capillaries, particularly in the extremities.

Forms of PVD include:

• Varicose veins

• Reticular veins

• Spider veins

• Thrombophlebitis, or inflammation of the veins

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots

• Chronic venous insufficiency

• Peripheral artery disease

 

With PVD, blood flow is compromised due to narrowing, inflammation, spasm, or blockage of the vessels. Forms of PVD can be slow moving and progressive, and may cause long-term complications if not treated effectively.

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What are symptoms of peripheral vascular disease?

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For roughly half of those positively diagnosed with PVD, there are no symptoms. For those who have symptoms, they may experience:

• Leg cramps

• Pale, thin, or brittle skin

• Bulging and tender blood vessels

• Tingling or numbness in legs or feet

• Weak pulses

• Erectile dysfunction

• Hair loss or shiny skin

• Slow-healing wounds

• Pain, aching, and burning in extremities

You’re at greater risk for PVD if you smoke, are obese, or have a sedentary lifestyle, or if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease.

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What is peripheral artery disease?

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Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a form of PVD that affects the arteries of the extremities. Often called the leg artery disease, PAD inhibits the normal return of blood to the heart, causing discomfort as the tissues in the extremities are deprived of oxygen-rich blood.

PAD often causes pain or discomfort in the:

• Hips

• Buttocks

• Thighs

• Knees

• Shins

• Tops of feet

You may not experience pain, but rather tightness, heaviness, cramping, or weakness. If your PAD is severe or advanced, you may have sores that don’t heal that could lead to gangrene, an infection that kills the tissues.

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What treatments are available for PVD and PAD?

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Depending on the severity of your disease, your provider may suggest treatments including:

• Lifestyle changes

• Medications

• Exercise

• Angioplasty or stents, to restore blood flow

• Amputation, to remove gangrene and dead tissues

Limb loss is a significant potential risk for those with PVD and PAD, which is why it’s important to seek treatment and follow your physician’s guidance and treatment plan.

For a screening or consultation regarding PVD or PAD, call or book an appointment online.