Overview
Peripheral Vascular Disease is a condition which can leads to loss of limb and death if left untreated for a prolonged period of time. This condition occurs due to insufficient oxygenation to tissues which is caused by the narrow blood vessel, further complicated by thrombi or emboli.Signs and Symptoms
Painful cramping on thighs or calf muscles after certain activities, Leg numbness, Unheal sores on your lower limb, A change in the color of your legs, Hair loss on your legs, Shiny skin on your legs, No pulse or a weak pulse in your legs or feet, Legs or feet is cold on touchCommon Causes
Artherosclerosis, Blood vessel inflammation (injury to limbs)Risk Factors
Smoking, Diabetes, Obesity (a body mass index over 30), High blood pressure, High cholesterol, Increasing age, Similar family history, High levels of HomocysteineInvestigation Techniques
Ankle-brachial index (ABI), Duplex Ultrasound, Angiography, Blood tests especially lipid profile, Renal function testTreatment and Prevention
Stop smoking, Cholesterol-lowering medications, High blood pressure medications, Medication to control blood sugar, Medications to prevent blood clots, Symptom-relief medications, Angioplasty, Bypass surgery, Thrombolytic therapy with aspirin, Daily light walking
