Causes and Diagnoses

Causes and Diagnoses of Peripheral Vascular Disease

Many patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) have pain in their legs when walking. In some cases, some people experience no symptoms. PVD involves artery blockage and can put individuals at risk for amputations. Typically, patients who suffer this condition are also at risk for heart disease and stroke.

Risk factors are habits, traits or conditions that may increase your chances of developing peripheral vascular disease. These include your age, family history and gender (male or post-menopausal female).

Certain risk factors can be controlled or modified, reducing your chances of developing PVD include:

• Blood clotting disorders
• Cigarette smoking—the single most important risk factor
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood cholesterol
• High blood pressure

If you notice long-term changes in your skin temperature or color on your extremities, non-healing wounds, numbness or burning in your legs or toes, restricted mobility or severe pain, make an appointment with your physician for a thorough examination.