Peripheral Circulation and Vascular Disorders

Cardiovascular Diseases

• The most common disease of the arteries is atherosclerosis.

Regulation of Peripheral Blood Vessels

• The autonomic nervous system plays the most important role in regulating the caliber and blood flow of peripheral blood vessels.

Peripheral Vascular Diseases

• Common symptoms of peripheral vascular diseases include:
  • Pain or cramping in the legs, thighs, or buttocks during physical activity
  • Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in the legs
  • Coldness or discoloration of the skin
  • Weak or absent pulses in the legs
  • Ulcers or wounds that won't heal

Ischemia and Tissue Necrosis

• Atherosclerosis is a type of disorder that causes ischemia and tissue necrosis due to chronically progressive pathologic changes to the arterial vasculature.
• The main cause of arterial disorders resulting in ischemia and tissue necrosis is atherosclerosis.

Characteristics of Atherosclerosis

• A characteristic of atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arterial walls, leading to hardening and narrowing of the arteries.

Nursing Management Approaches

• A nursing management approach for improving peripheral arterial circulation is to promote regular exercise, such as walking, to improve blood flow.
• A common nursing management approach for varicose veins is to recommend elevating the affected limbs and using compression stockings.

Peripheral Arterial Insufficiency

• A symptom of peripheral arterial insufficiency is intermittent claudication, which is pain or cramping in the legs during physical activity.

Varicose Veins

• Varicose veins are caused by prolonged increased pressure and dilation of the veins, often due to weakened valves or vein walls.