Definition:
Peripheral vascular disease also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) is
a collator for all diseases caused by the obstruction of large peripheral arteries, which can result from
atherosclerosis, inflammatory processes leading to stenosis, an embolism or thrombus formation.
Diagnosis:
Modern multislice computerized tomography (CT) scanners provide direct imaging of the arterial system as an
alternative to angiography. CT has complete evaluation of the aorta and lower limb arteries without the need for
an angiogram's arterial injection of contrast agent.
Treatment:
Dependent on the severity of the disease, the following steps can be taken:
Conservative measures include Smoking cessation (cigarettes promote PAOD and are a risk factor for cardiovascular
disease).
Angioplasty (PTA or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty) could be done on solitary lesions in large arteries,
such as the femoral artery.
Symptoms and Signs:
Claudication is a pain, weakness, or cramping in muscles due to decreased blood flow; Sores, wounds, or ulcers
that heal slowly or not at all; Noticeable change in color (blueness or paleness) or temperature (coolness) when
compared to the other limb; Diminished hair and nail growth on affected limb and digits.
Causes:
Smoking - tobacco use in any form is the single most important modifiable cause of PAD internationally.
Diabetes Mellitus which increased risk of PAOD 2-4X by causing endothelial and smooth muscle cell dysfunction in
peripheral arteries.
Dyslipidemia is elevation of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels each have been correlated
with accelerated PAOD.
:
peripheralvasculardisease
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
