Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a reference to all of the blood vessels outside the heart. There are two types of blood vessels: arteries and veins. These arteries and veins have two distinctly different jobs; arteries carry "oxygen-rich" blood to the extremities (legs, feet, neck) and veins carry "oxygen-poor" blood back from the extremities to the heart.

The primary cause of Peripheral Vascular Disease is arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. This occurs when fat, calcium, or other substances build up along the inner lining of an artery forming plaque and subsequently reducing blood flow to muscles, bones, nerves, and skin. Cartoid artery disease, varicose veins, and chronic venous insufficiency may be among the most common results of these diseases. The most common arterial disease is certainly arteriosclerosis, where arteries become hard and narrow. Other include: abdominal aortic aneurysm, raynaud syndrome, buerger disease and polyartertis nodosa (PN) a rare form of vasculitis.

Peripheral venous disorders, the second type of Peripheral Vascular Disease, includes thrombopheltis, (more commonly referred to as a blood clot), varicose veins, and a more advanced stage of vein disease called chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a disorder that has become all too commonplace. A more advanced stage of vein disease, the result is the pooling of blood in the lower extremity (legs and feet). These veins normally help to bring blood back to the heart; however, due to severe damage they can no longer perform this task. The result may be swelling, leg discoloration, leg ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis, possibly life threatening.

Unfortunately, many of these diseases have their beginning in childhood from diets rich in saturated fats that promote high serum cholesterol levels. Although many of these children may come from families where there is a strong relationship to coronary artery disease, steps can be taken early to promote healthier lives.

Advances in science and technology (Interventional Angiography, MR Angiography, CT Angiography, Color Doppler Ultrasound), allow physicians and technologists the latest tools to provide diagnosis and treatment for patients suffering from PVD. Diagnosis and treatment of Peripheral Vascular Disease at its earliest stages is critical. Medications are commonly used to treat individuals in some cases. In other cases, angioplasty (balloon dilatation) and surgery may be required. More accurate diagnosis and greatly enhanced therapeutic interventions are possible because of the tremendously high-resolution quality and clarity produced by technology of the state of the art angiography suite.

"For the first time we have non-invasive technology (MR Angiography, CT Angiography and Color Doppler Ultrasound) than can provide the patient, and the physician, with the kind of information that can indicate whether medicines, balloon angioplasty/stenting, surgery, or combination therapy, is the best treatment option," says James L. Swischuk, MD.

Far too many Americans are familiar with Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD). All too often as medical disorders become more commonplace they also become more widely accepted. When this happens, individuals may not take (some) medical issues as seriously as they should; feeling a little too complacent. The problem is that PVD can result in loss of limbs, and can be life threatening. While carotid artery disease has become more common, individuals often discuss and expect a "quick-fix." Individuals with carotid artery disease, in some cases, may be at great risk for stroke. Now, that's not to suggest that all of these disorders are life-threatening, clearly some are not. Superficial vein thrombosis is more often a benign condition, however, deep vein thrombosis may be life threatening. No matter how common any of these disorders become, early intervention is the best prescription for a healthier and happier you.

You can see now why beginning to reduce the risk among young children and helping them to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle is vital to the reduction of PVD, and many other illnesses that have become so prevalent. Risk factors play an acknowledged role in plaque buildup; family history, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, the primary causes. There are steps that can be taken to help you and your family reduce the risk of PVD: stop smoking, help to maintain a healthy weight through diet (low-fat cholesterol) and (moderate, regular) exercise, know your family's health- history, and see your primary care physician on a regular basis. If you think you speak to a physician about any issue at all, please don't put it off. Immediate diagnosis and treatment of PVD is essential to a healthy recovery and a healthier you.

If you have questions about your own health and Peripheral Vascular Disease risks, please schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns with your physician.

By Proctor Hospital