|
Peripheral Vascular DiseasePeripheral vascular disease, or PVD, is a condition in which the arteries that carry blood to the arms or legs become narrowed or clogged. This interferes with the normal flow of blood, sometimes causing pain but often causing no symptoms at all.
The most common cause of PVD is atherosclerosis (often called hardening of the arteries). Atherosclerosis is a gradual process in which cholesterol and scar tissue build up, forming a substance called "plaque" that clogs the blood vessels. In some cases, PVD may be caused by blood clots that lodge in the arteries and restrict blood flow. Those with PVD are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately, the disease often goes undiagnosed because many people do not experience symptoms in the early stages of PVD or they mistakenly think the symptoms are a normal part of aging. Under The General Heading of PVD, Specific Conditions Include:
Facts:PVD affects 10 million people in the United States and about 1 in 20 people over the age of 50
Risk Factors:As many as 8 million people in the U.S. may have PVD. The disease affects everyone, although men are somewhat more likely than women to have PVD. At highest risk are those:
Symptoms:The most common symptom of PVD is painful cramping in the leg or hip, particularly when walking. This symptom, also known as "claudication," occurs when there is not enough blood flowing to the leg muscles during exercise. The pain typically goes away when the muscles are given a rest. More than half the people with PVD experience leg pain, numbness or other symptoms – but many people dismiss these signs as "a normal part of aging" and don’t seek medical help. Only about half of those with symptoms have been diagnosed with PVD and are seeing a doctor for treatment. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg. In severe cases, you may experience a burning or aching pain in your foot or toes while resting, or develop a sore on your leg or foot that does not heal. People with PVD also may experience a cooling or color change in the skin of the legs or feet, or loss of hair on the legs. In extreme cases, untreated PVD can lead to gangrene, a serious condition that may require amputation of a leg, foot or toes. PVD Symptoms
Diagnosis:Angiography is an X-ray in which a contrast agent, or dye, is injected into a vein or artery to highlight the blood vessels. This can demonstrate the location of blockages in the blood vessel that may benefit from interventional treatment. Angiography also is used to guide thin tubes called catheters to the site of the problem and administer treatments Venous & Arterial Doppler Ultrasound creates pictures using sound waves can determine whether there is blockage in the arteries. Some physicians recommend ultrasound screening for those who have been diagnosed with atherosclerosis or other risk factors for peripheral vascular disease. In the ultrasound image shown here, normal blood flow is in red. Blue areas show where flow is obstructed by a blockage in the artery. Magnetic Resonance (MR) Angiography is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that creates an image of the blood vessels. A magnetic resonance (MR) scanner uses harmless but powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's tissues. Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography uses computers and x-rays to generate detailed pictures of the blood vessels, and can be helpful for planning of interventional procedures.
|
