Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today!
Cardiovascular disease comprises a group of diseases that either affects the heart or the blood vessels carrying blood throughout the body. One such condition that's commonly found among Indians is peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The term 'peripheral' means outer or edge while 'vascular' relates to vessels. So, the literal meaning of peripheral vascular disease would be disease of the outer blood vessels.
PVD is also called peripheral artery disease (PAD) which means that it affects blood vessels carrying blood away from the heart to the extremities or the lower limbs. Like all other cardiovascular diseases, PVD can also be life-threatening but can be prevented. Here are some facts about the disease you should know.
What causes peripheral vascular disease?
Peripheral vascular disease is caused by narrowing or blockage of blood vessels supplying blood to the limbs due to deposition of fatty substances, cholesterol and other cellular waste on the walls of blood vessels to harden and form a plaque (also known as atherosclerosis). As a result, blood supply to the limbs is obstructed or reduced, making it difficult for the person to perform physical activities.
Who is at risk of developing the disease?
'The risk factors for developing peripheral vascular (arterial) disease are same as that of coronary heart disease (CHD),' says Dr Vineet Sankhla, Interventional Cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist at CIMS Hospital and are divided into the following categories:
Non-modifiable risk factors include:
Modifiable and controllable risk factors are
'Like coronary heart disease, people who follow an unhealthy lifestyle or have a sedentary lifestyle are at an increased risk of developing the disease, he says.
So are the symptoms of PVD same as that of coronary heart disease?
Yes. Some of the symptoms may overlap with heart disease if the blood vessels carrying blood to the heart are also affected. 'A decreased blood supply to the heart can cause chest, jaw and arm pain called as angina,' says Dr Vineet. Here are some other symptoms:
How is the disease diagnosed?
'PVD can be suspected in any person who has risk factors for atherosclerosis and presents with limb claudication and other signs mentioned above,' says Dr Vineet. Once suspected the doctor conducts the following tests:
Is the condition life-threatening? What are the complications involved?
Dr Vineet says 'PVD, if severe enough, can be life threatening and may require urgent intervention. Severe PVD in the lower limbs can lead to acute limb ischemia (blocked blood supply). This can progress to cause gangrene because of lack of oxygen and blood and even lead to loss of the limb if not treated at the right time.'
How is it treated? Are there any advances in treatment?
PVD is a treatable condition in most of the cases, says Dr Vineet. The goal of the treatment is to relieve claudication (lowered blood flow to the limbs during exercise) and prevent severe blockage that might lead to gangrene and limb amputation. A patient can either be treated with medication o surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
Apart from that there are some advanced treatment options. Dr Vineet explains a few of them:
Can the disease be prevented? How?
Yes. If you modify diet and adopt a healthy lifestyle you can prevent the disease. So, exercise daily and improve circulation, eat healthy, quit smoking and drinking and live a stress-free life.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular disease.
You may also like to read:
For more on cardiovascular disease, check out our heart disease section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.