Peripheral Vascular Disease

Jennie was a heavy tobacco smoker and had been at it for many years. Then something strange suddenly happened to her — her feet were turning darker. She also started feeling some pain in the soles of her feet even when lying in bed. Walking made the pain worse. When she developed wounds that didn’t heal, she sought medical help. What exactly was wrong with her?

What is Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)?

PVD is a blood circulation disorder that causes the blood vessels, typically the arteries, to narrow or get blocked. Blood vessels are structures that act as channels through which blood passes. The disorder is referred to as “Peripheral” as it affects the blood vessels in the limbs, such as the hands and legs, and not the deeper vessels within the body. The major reason for the obstruction of blood flow is the deposition of fats and clots in the walls of the blood vessels. This narrowing then restricts blood flow and consequently causes tissue death (gangrene) and nerve damage.

Symptoms of PVD

The symptoms of peripheral vascular disease occur as a result of diminished blood flow in the affected areas. These include: 

• Pain in the legs, which worsens with physical activity.
• Numbness or weakness of the legs.
• Bluish or dark discoloration of the legs and arms due to insufficient blood supply.
• Brittle and slow-growing toenails.
• Open sores that don’t heal on leg and feet.
• Muscle wasting/ extreme thinning of the leg muscles.
• Weak pulse in the leg.
• Reduced hair growth in the affected skin area and pain while lying on the bed.

Complications of PVD

Complications of damage to peripheral arteries include: 

• Impotence in men
• Tissue death (gangrene) from poor blood supply, which may require amputation 
• Wounds that fail to heal. These wounds can become infected
• Intense pain that worsens with movement, such that the individual is forced to reduce their activity.
• Pain even when at rest.
• Heart attack, stroke, or death may occur if the blood vessels bringing blood back to the heart and brain get clogged.

Risk factors for PVD

The factors which increase the chance of having PVD include the following:

• High cholesterol 
• High blood pressure
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Smoking 

Treatment 

Treatment of peripheral vascular disease includes a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions: 

• Lifestyle changes such as a reduction in fatty and carbohydrates-rich foods, regular exercise, and cessation of smoking.
• Use of blood thinners and medications that lower cholesterol
• Surgery to widen the blood vessels (angioplasty).

Peripheral vascular disease builds up slowly. Know the risk factors for this debilitating disease and avoid them. If you notice any of the above symptoms, speak to your doctor.