Peripheral Vascular Disease Specialist

What is peripheral vascular disease?

Peripheral vascular disease, known as PVD for short, affects blood vessels in parts of the body other than the heart and brain. 

It is characterized by a narrowing of the vessels and often affects blood vessels in the legs, arms, stomach, or kidneys. As the blood vessels become narrower, the arteries can become blocked or weakened.

Peripheral vascular disease is often associated with peripheral artery disease, which is the most common form of PVD. Peripheral artery disease is the result of fatty material building up in the arteries, which can block blood flow through the artery. This same type of buildup is known as coronary heart disease when it occurs in the arteries of the heart.

How is peripheral vascular disease diagnosed?

Your provider diagnoses peripheral vascular disease through a combination of looking at your medical history, completing a physical exam, and performing various tests. 

One simple test that helps diagnose PVD is the ankle-brachial index, in which your provider checks the blood pressure in the arteries of your ankles using an inflatable blood pressure cuff and a handheld ultrasound device. If additional imaging tests are needed, your provider recommends them.

You can also be on the lookout for these symptoms of peripheral vascular disease:

• Pain or discomfort in the legs (calves, thighs, or hips), especially during activity
• Pain or discomfort in the buttocks, especially during activity
• Cramping, heaviness, tightness, or fatigue in the legs or buttocks
• Sudden high blood pressure, or high blood pressure that cannot be controlled with medication
• A sore on your leg or foot that will not heal
• A leg or legs feeling cold, changing color, or experiencing hair loss
• Impotence
  
  

Talk to the team at South Palm Cardiovascular Associates if you notice any of these symptoms.

How is peripheral vascular disease treated?

The team at South Palm Cardiovascular Associates recommends a treatment plan that’s best for you based on your symptoms. The first step to treating peripheral vascular disease is lifestyle changes, medication, or both. 

Lifestyle changes can include smoking cessation, controlling diabetes, controlling blood pressure, physical activity, and changes in your diet. Medication options can include antiplatelet agents, statins, or medicine for high blood pressure.

In some cases, your provider may recommend surgery to treat the disease. The best way to discover which treatment plan is right for you is to work directly with the team at South Palm Cardiovascular Associates. 

To learn more, call the office or schedule an appointment using the online booking system.