Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to disorders of blood vessels outside of the heart and brain, while vein disease specifically refers to conditions affecting the veins. It’s most often caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits that narrows or blocks blood vessels, reducing blood flow.
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Common Symptoms:

  • Leg pain when walking (claudication)
  • Numbness or weakness in the legs
  • Coldness in the lower leg or foot
  • Sores or wounds that heal slowly
  • Color changes in the skin
  • Hair loss on the legs or feet

Risk Factors:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Age over 50
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Treatment for PVD

Typically Involves a Combination Of:

1. Lifestyle Changes

  • Smoking cessation
  • Regular exercise (supervised walking programs are very effective)
  • Healthy diet (low in saturated fats and sodium)

2. Medications

  • Antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin) to reduce clotting
  • Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins)
  • Medications to manage blood pressure and blood sugar
  • Drugs to improve walking distance (e.g., cilostazol)

3. Interventional or Surgical Options

  • Angioplasty and stenting – a catheter is used to open narrowed vessels
  • Atherectomy – removal of plaque from arteries
  • Bypass surgery – creating a detour around a blocked vessel using a graft
  • Early detection and treatment are critical to prevent complications
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Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

We offer minimally invasive treatments, including angioplasty and stenting, to restore blood flow and relieve symptoms like leg pain. These procedures aim to improve mobility and quality of life.

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