Peripheral vascular disease, also referred to as peripheral arterial disease, is a circulatory disorder characterized by narrowing of the peripheral arteries that hinders proper blood flow. Peripheral vascular disease usually affects the arteries that carry blood to the legs, but it may also affect the arteries that carry blood to the head, arms, kidneys and stomach, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Causes
The most common cause of peripheral vascular disease is atherosclerosis, the accumulation of plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. Plaque is a harmful substance made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium and other substances in the blood. When plaque builds up on artery walls, it narrows the diameter of the blood vessels and prevents blood from flowing freely. Other less common causes of peripheral vascular disease include inflammation of the blood vessels, physical injury to the limbs, abnormal anatomy and exposure to radiation, according to MayoClinic.com.
Risk Factors
The top risk factor for the development of peripheral vascular disease is smoking. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the risk of developing peripheral vascular disease increases four times in those with smoke. Other risk factors include increasing age, obesity, chronic high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and a family history of the condition or other heart diseases.
Symptoms
MayoClinic.com notes that many people with peripheral vascular disease don't experience any symptoms. In those who do have symptoms, the most common is a condition called intermittent claudication. Intermittent claudication is characterized by muscle pain and cramping in the limbs that's exacerbated by movement, such as walking. Pain may also be accompanied by numbness, achiness and heaviness in the leg muscles. Other symptoms of peripheral vascular disease include decreased temperature in the leg or foot, sores on the toes and feet, change in leg color, hair loss on the legs, decreased toenail growth and a weak pulse in the legs and feet.
Treatment
Most cases of peripheral vascular disease can be treated with lifestyle modifications and medications, according to the American Heart Association. The most important lifestyle modification is to stop smoking. Other recommended changes include increased physical activity and following a low-fat low-cholesterol eating plan. Available medications include cholesterol-lowering drugs and drugs to prevent clotting. If these methods are ineffective, surgery may be needed to open the narrowed artery or bypass the blockage.
Complications
If left untreated, peripheral vascular disease caused by atherosclerosis can lead to a condition called critical limb ischemia, which is tissue death caused by sores and wounds on the leg that don't heal. Those with peripheral vascular disease are also at a risk of heart attack or stroke.
