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Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), in short, includes all diseases affecting the arteries, veins, and even the lymphatic vessels except the heart. These vessels carry blood throughout the body. The arteries take oxygen-rich blood from the heart into the body's organs and cells, whereas the veins transport deoxygenated blood back to the heart and then to the lungs for recycling. In this blog, you will learn about the causes of PVD, symptoms in the patients, the diagnostic methods involved, and the recommended treatment for peripheral vascular disease.
Synopsis
What is Peripheral Vascular Disease?
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a condition that affects the blood vessels outside of the heart, primarily affecting the lower limbs. It occurs when the blood vessels become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the extremities. This can lead to various symptoms and complications. Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) and varicose veins are the two most common types of PVD.
Causes of PVD
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of PVD. It is a chronic condition of plaque buildup within the artery walls, leading to the narrowing of peripheral arteries and reduced blood flow to the limbs. This plaque is often made up of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin.
Other Major Risk Factors for PVD are:
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Smoking: A major risk factor for PVD, smoking damages blood vessels and puts you at risk of plaque buildup.
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Diabetes: PVD and Diabetes are interlinked. High and uncontrolled blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and increase PVD risk. Diabetes patients are also at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers, a condition called diabetic foot.
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High blood pressure: High blood pressure also puts extra strain on the arteries, making them more prone to damage.
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High cholesterol: High levels of LDL cholesterol, also called “bad cholesterol”, contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
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Family history: If a family member or close relative has PVD, consider close monitoring and find out the causes of leg pain or other symptoms you experience out of nowhere
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Peripheral arterial disease, simply referred to as PAOD, is one of the most common forms of PVD that affects the lower limb arteries. PAD occurs mainly due to atherosclerosis, when fatty deposits accumulate in the artery's wall, reducing blood flow by constricting it. This reduced blood supply causes symptoms such as pain in the legs caused by physical activity, simply known as claudication, and tissue damage when it is severe.
PAD is worse for diabetic patients because they are prone to gangrene or tissue death due to combined poor blood supply with neuropathy, which affects nerves and reduces sensation in the feet and toes. Wet gangrene is then used to describe where the toes turn black, typically because of infection. These issues, if left untreated, often require amputation of limbs.
Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Common PAD symptoms patients may experience frequently are:
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Pain or discomfort in the legs or thighs during exercise
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Pain at rest, especially at night
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Poor wound healing
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Shiny, dry, or scaly skin
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Coldness in the legs
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Weak pulse
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Diagnosis of Peripheral Arterial Disease
PAD diagnosis involves a physical examination combined with some diagnostic tests, namely:
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Ankle Brachial Index (ABI): Measures the blood pressure at the ankle and compares that with a simultaneous reading at the arm. A patient known to have lower pressure in their legs compared with their arms can lead to a diagnosis of PAD.
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Angiography: This imaging scan provides a detailed view of blood flow and blockages in the arteries.
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Ultrasound: Doppler ultrasound can depict the presence of stenosis or luminal obstruction of the blood vessels.
Early diagnosis with appropriate interventions such as lifestyle modifications and medication can slow the rate of progression of the disease and prevent complications.
Managing Peripheral Arterial Disease
The goal of treatment for PAD is to prevent amputation. Revascularisation interventions, including angioplasty or bypass grafting, restore circulation to the ischemic areas and minimize pain and tissue loss. Lifestyle changes and medication are also effective in affecting the patient's condition in terms of:
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Lifestyle Changes: Counseling patients on quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and proper diabetes control slows disease progression.
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Medications: Blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and medications to control blood pressure can decrease the chances of further narrowing the arteries.
Visit our best Vascular Surgeons in Bangalore for peripheral vascular disease treatment.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins that mostly occur in the lower limbs and usually affect people who stand for a long time. Examples of such people are teachers and health workers. Their appearance on the skin causes discomfort and a heavy feeling and, if extreme, may lead to skin ulcers.
Varicose veins result mainly from weakened vein walls and faulty valves. These prevent blood from flowing back to the heart efficiently, causing blood to pool in the veins and cause them to stretch and swell.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Patients with varicose veins often experience:
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Visible, twisted veins
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Heaviness and aching in the legs
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Swelling, especially after prolonged standing
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Burning sensation or cramps in the legs
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Darkening of the skin around the ankles
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Itching around the veins
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Skin ulcers in severe conditions
Diagnosis and Treatment of Varicose Veins
A duplex ultrasound scan is commonly performed to identify venous incompetence—the inability of valves in the veins to prevent blood from flowing backwards. This scan helps locate the problem areas and assess the severity of venous disease.
For mild cases, lifestyle changes and compression stockings can alleviate symptoms. For more advanced cases, various treatment options include:
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Lifestyle Changes and Compression Therapy: Wearing compression stockings and elevating the legs can help reduce symptoms, especially for individuals with occupations that require standing for long periods.
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Laser Treatment: Laser therapy has become a widely accepted, non-invasive treatment for varicose veins. This method involves targeting affected veins with laser energy, closing them off, and allowing blood to reroute through healthier veins.
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Surgery: In more advanced cases, expert vascular surgeons in Bangalore may offer surgical options such as vein stripping or endoscopic surgery, which can effectively manage varicose veins and improve blood flow.
To Sum Up…
Peripheral vascular disease is a prevalent and often preventable condition that affects the arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. PVD patients can proactively manage their vascular health by understanding the types and symptoms of PVD and treatment options for peripheral arterial disease and varicose veins. Early diagnosis and treatment, especially in diabetic patients, are critical in preventing severe complications such as gangrene and amputation. Advanced treatments for PVD, like laser therapy for varicose veins, have transformed how vascular conditions are managed, offering non-invasive and effective solutions with faster recovery times.
For the best treatment for PVD, visit Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore.
FAQ's
PVD is diagnosed through physical exams, ankle-brachial index (ABI) tests, ultrasounds, and angiography to assess blood flow and identify blockages or narrowing in the blood vessels.
Yes, lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, managing blood pressure, exercising, and following a healthy diet can significantly improve PVD symptoms and help in PVD prevention.
Treatment for PVD includes medication, lifestyle changes, and, in severe cases, procedures like angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery to restore blood flow and reduce symptoms.
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