Details Descriptions About :: peripheral vascular disease

Peripheral vascular disease causes symptoms treatment 

Description of Peripheral vascular disease

According to dictionary definition  DescriptionAccording to dictionary definition  Peripheral arterial disease occurs due to the narrowing of the blood vessels outside the heart. The cause of PAD is atherosclerosis. This happens when plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs.

Plaque is a substance made up of fat and cholesterol. It causes the arteries to narrow or become blocked. This can reduce or stop blood flow, usually to the legs. If severe enough, blocked blood flow can cause tissue death and can sometimes lead to amputation of the foot or leg.  Causes and Risk Factors  According to dictionary definition  Major risk factors are:1. Smoking2. Older age3. Diseases such as diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.  Signs and SymptomsAccording to dictionary definition  Many people who have PAD do not have any symptoms. Some common symptoms may include:1. Pain2. Numbness3. Achiness4. Heaviness in the leg muscles (usually while walking or climbing stairs)5. Weak or absent pulses in the legs or feet6. Sores or wounds on the toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly, poorly, or not at all7. A pale or bluish color to the skin8. A lower temperature in one leg than the other leg9. Poor nail growth on the toes and decreased hair growth on the legs10. Erectile dysfunction, especially among men who have diabetesPVD can also increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and transient ischemic attack.  InvestigationsAccording to dictionary definition  Your doctor may diagnose the disease with:1. Physical examination2. Heart tests3. Imaging tests  TreatmentAccording to dictionary definition  Treatments may include:1. Lifestyle changes such as,a) Dietary changesb) Exercisec) Efforts to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure2. Medicines3. Surgery  NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteAccording to dictionary definition