The following describes the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular disease and peripheral artery disease. For specific information regarding your health and treatment options, please contact your Hurley physician or medical professional.

What are peripheral vascular disease and peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral vascular disease, often referred to as peripheral artery disease, is a narrowing of the blood vessels due to a buildup of plaque (a substance made of fat and cholesterol). This plaque buildup can reduce or block blood flow to the arms, legs, or internal organs.

What causes peripheral vascular disease and peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral vascular disease and peripheral artery disease is a result of the buildup of plaque on the walls of the arteries (blood vessels). It can be caused by blood clots, diabetes, infection, or severe injury. It is more common in people over the age of 50, who have a family history of heart attacks or strokes. Other factors that can contribute to it are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and sedentary (inactive) lifestyle.

What are the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease and peripheral artery disease?

Many people with peripheral vascular disease and peripheral artery disease experience mild or no symptoms. Of those that do have symptoms, common complaints include:

•Pain or cramping in the arms or legs after activity
•Weakness and numbness in the legs
•Cold legs or feet
•Pain in the feet or toes when resting
•Sores on the legs or feet that do not heal
•Loss of hair on the legs
•Impotence

How are peripheral vascular disease and peripheral artery disease diagnosed?

Your Hurley physician will conduct a complete physical exam and may order additional tests such as ultrasounds, angiograms, or MRIs.

How are peripheral vascular disease and peripheral artery disease treated?

Your Hurley physician will take a patient- and family-centered approach to treating your peripheral vascular disease and peripheral artery disease. Initial recommendations include lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, following a healthy diet, and increasing exercise. In addition, your physician may recommend medications to help prevent blood clots, lower cholesterol, control high blood pressure, and increase blood supply to the extremities. Angioplasty is a non-surgical procedure that is routinely used to help widen blocked arteries.

In more severe cases, surgery may be required to treat peripheral vascular disease and peripheral artery disease. Bypass surgery and endarterectomy (surgical removal of plaque in the blood vessels) are two common surgical treatment options. Your physician can make a treatment recommendation based on your particular case.