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Signs & Symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), also known as peripheral artery disease or hardening of the arteries, occurs when the arteries become restricted or blocked due to fatty buildups. PVD includes all conditions concerning the circulatory system besides those affecting the brain and heart itself.

  1. Considerations

    • PVD is extremely common in the U.S. and affects about 5 percent of adults over the age of 50. As with most circulatory conditions, men are more likely to suffer from this condition than women are, and PVD is particularly dangerous to individuals who smoke or suffer from diabetes.

    Symptoms

    • The most common symptom those suffering from PVD report is a pain that comes and goes, and PVD-sufferers have reported experiencing a burning feeling on the soles of the feet when an activity is discontinued, a tingling feeling in the legs, pain in the buttocks, foot or leg pain that won't go away, and a cold feeling in the feet or legs. Men may also experience impotence.

    Reasons Symptoms Occur

    • Muscle pain in PVD-sufferers occurs because blocked arteries are not providing a large enough blood supply to the muscles, and this means muscles aren't receiving enough oxygen. This usually results in cramping while performing an exerting activity.

    Prevention and Treatment

    • It is important to eat well, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress and exercise at least three to five times a week in order to decrease the chances of developing PVD-related diseases; however, while making healthy choices at a young age can significantly reduce the chances of developing PVD, a genetic disposition may make individuals more prone to developing this circulatory disease. Talk to your doctor about medications and healthy living practices that may alleviate your symptoms.

    Warnings

    • At least half of individuals suffering from PVD do not exhibit any obvious symptoms, which is why it is important to schedule annual medical checkups. Your doctor or health care provider will be able to run tests and ask pertinent questions to determine if you suffer from any PVD-related circulatory conditions.

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