Services

Vascular Services
Peripheral Vascular Disease

What is Peripheral Vascular Disease?

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is the most common disease of the arteries and can occur in any blood vessels. It is caused by atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of fatty materials within the blood vessels. That fatty material blocks or narrows the vessels, limiting blood supply. When this narrowing occurs in the vessels that lead to the legs and feet, it is called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

What are the symptoms of PVD or PAD?

Symptoms of PVD or PAD include:

• Painful leg cramps when walking, most commonly in the calf
• Coldness in the leg or foot
• Numbness
• Shiny or discolored skin
• Sores that won’t heal on the foot or leg
• Black spots on foot or leg
• Pain at night in the feet that disrupts sleep
• Weak or non-existent leg or foot pulse
• Erectile dysfunction, in men

What are the treatment options for Peripheral Vascular Disease?

Treatment options range form managing symptoms to stopping the progression of the atherosclerosis and can include medications, endovascular interventions and surgery.