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What Is Peripheral Vascular Disease?

Peripheral vascular disease is narrowing or blockages in the arteries of the legs and arms.

The narrowing is usually caused by a buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits along the artery walls. This process is called hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. It happens most often to people who are over age 50. People who smoke or people with diabetes or high cholesterol are also at risk to get this disease.

The first symptom is usually an aching tired feeling in the muscles of the legs when walking. It goes away when walking stops, but will return when walking is started again at the same speed. It can occur in the arms with increased activity as well. Other symptoms may include:

• coldness or loss of feeling in the feet and toes
• hair loss on the leg or arm involved
• thickened nails
• pale, shiny, or bluish colored skin
• a sore that does not heal or is slow to heal

The usual treatment of peripheral vascular disease is:

• stop smoking
• exercise to help increase bloodflow to the legs or arms
• taking good care of your skin to avoid rashes or ulcers
• special medicine to help heal skin infections or rashes
• medicines to help prevent blood clots from forming
• stretching the artery with a special balloon during an x-ray procedure
• surgery to remove the clot or
• surgery to bypass (go around) the blocked area

For more information, speak with your health care provider. If your health care provider would like to refer you to a cardiologist, ask for a referral to a Saint Vincent Heart Center cardiac specialist. Information is also available by contacting your local chapter of the American Heart Association or call the national office at (800) 242-8721 or visit their website at www.americanheart.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. HIL File CARD4291.RF2 VRS# 6101 Data Version 7.0
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