Peripheral Arterial Disease | Peripheral Venous Disease

The term Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) refers to damage or dysfunction within the peripheral arteries or veins. Peripheral Arterial Disease is the branch of this condition where an individual's arteries are damaged.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a build-up of plaque in the arteries, outside the heart, that reduces the blood flow to parts of the body. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, calcium, and fibrous tissue. As more plaque builds up, the arteries harden and stiffen. This process is called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Some of the commonly affected peripheral arteries are in the legs, neck, and abdomen.

PAD of the legs is a narrowing of the arteries in the legs resulting from plaque build up. Severe PAD cases can lead to leg amputation due to tissue loss or gangrene.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of lower extremity PAD is intermittent claudication. Claudication is a type of cramping pain in the leg that occurs during activities, such as walking. The pain is caused by inadequate oxygen supply to the legs. When physical activity stops, the pain also stops. In severe cases, individuals may experience pain at rest. Other symptoms include:

• Buttock pain.
• Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, or toes.
• Changes in skin color (pale, bluish, or reddish discoloration).
.
• Changes in skin temperature (coolness).
• Infection/sores that do not heal.

Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid Artery Disease is a narrowing of the arteries in the neck that supply the brain with blood. Carotid artery disease results from plaque build up and may lead to a stroke.

Symptoms

There may be no symptoms in early stages. A carotid bruit may indicate atherosclerosis in the artery. A bruit is an abnormal sound, which can be heard when using a stethoscope to listen to the blood flow in the carotid arteries. You could experience warning symptoms of a stroke called Transient Ischemic Attacks, or TIA's. Symptoms of a TIA usually last for a few minutes to 1 hour and include:

• Weakness, numbness, or tingling on one side of the body.
• Inability to control the movement of an arm or leg.
• Loss of vision in one eye.
• Inability to speak clearly.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Dizziness, confusion, fainting.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a dilatation of the main artery in the abdomen that supplies blood to all organs. The most common cause of abdominal aortic aneurysms is atherosclerosis. When plaque builds up in the muscular wall of the aorta, it can weaken and begin to bulge.

Symptoms

Most AAA's show no symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Patients who have symptoms may feel a pulsation in their abdomen, or mild abdominal or back pain. If an aneurysm grows rapidly or ruptures, intense abdominal or back pain and signs of shock may be experienced.

PAD Risk Factors:

• Diabetes.
• Smoking.
• Obesity.
• High blood pressure.
• A family history of the disease.
• Lack of exercise.
• Coronary Artery disease.
• Over the age of 65.
• High cholesterol.

The term Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) refers to damage or dysfunction within the peripheral arteries or veins. Peripheral Venous Disease is the branch of this condition where an individual's veins are damaged.

Peripheral Venous Disease results from problems of the peripheral veins that carry blood back to the heart. The most commonly affected veins are in the legs, however the disease may affect the veins of the arms. Peripheral venous disorders include thrombophlebitis, varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.

Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis is a condition in which a blood clot has formed in a vein, causing the surrounding veins to become inflamed. There are 2 types of thrombophlebitis: Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Both can be life threatening if the clot breaks loose and lodges in an artery of the lungs which could cause a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.

Symptoms

Localized pain and swelling are the most common symptoms of a blood clot. The area around the clot may be red. Less common symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath.

Possible DVT Risk Factors:

• Injury.
• Obesity.
• Prolonged bed rest or inactivity.
• Pregnancy.
• Recent childbirth.
• Genetic coagulation disorders.
• Hormone replacement therapy.
• Oral contraceptives.
• Surgery (especially knee and hip surgery).
• Cancer.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic Venous Insufficiency is an advanced stage of leg vein disease when the valves in the veins in the leg become incompetent, allowing blood to flow in both directions and causing blood to pool in the legs and feet. Damaged valves may be the result of DVT.

Symptoms

Symptoms include varicose veins, leg pain, swelling, discoloration or ulcers that do not heal.

Possible Chronic Venous Insufficiency Risk Factors:

• Previous DVT.
Standing for long periods of time . .
• Obesity.
• Genetic factors.