Peripheral Vascular Disease Overview

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

• PVD stands for Peripheral Vascular Disease and mainly affects the legs and lower extremities.
• The most common cause of PVD is atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
• Claudication is a common symptom of PVD characterized by leg pain that occurs during walking and improves with rest.
• Smoking is a significant lifestyle factor that increases the risk of developing PVD.
• The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is a diagnostic test that compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm to detect PVD.
• Non-healing sores or ulcers on the legs or feet can be a sign of advanced PVD.
• Diabetes and high blood pressure are chronic conditions that contribute to the risk of developing PVD.
• Doppler Ultrasound is an imaging technique used to assess blood flow in individuals with PVD.
• Treatment options for PVD symptoms include medications to improve blood flow, such as blood thinners or cholesterol-lowering drugs.