Overview

Evaluation & Diagnosis

Treatment Options

Find a Physician

Locations

Make an Appointment

For Physicians

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), also known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is caused by the buildup of fatty substances that stick to the linings of the arteries in a process known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is not limited to the arteries of the heart, it also affects arteries in the legs, arms, brain and kidneys. This silent, progressive process causes arteries to narrow, limiting the blood flow that is vital for tissue and organ survival.

Some of the most commonly affected arteries are those in the legs, from your buttocks to your feet. The presence of blockages in the leg arteries is frequently referred to as PVD.

Symptoms usually occur at the end stage of this disease when the blockage causes limited blood flow to the legs; however, close to 80 percent of patients will not have any symptoms at all. People with PVD are at a high risk for heart attack, stroke and death. Due to this silent process, early diagnosis is very important in preventing serious complications associated with PVD.

Peripheral vascular disease is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. A person with PVD has:

• Six times higher incidence of developing heart disease
• Seven times higher probability of dying from the disease
• Four times the incidence of suffering a stroke

The good news is that patients who are diagnosed with PVD early and receive aggressive medical treatment may be able to avoid these serious health problems.