Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) causes, symptoms, and pathology

Watch this educational video by Osmosis which explains Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) causes, symptoms, and pathology.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) usually involves the arteries that is why it is sometimes called Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a serious disease that is under diagnosed and under treated. Many people believe that pain in the legs or lower extremities is just another sign of aging, not realizing that it may be a warning sign for PAD. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) happens when arteries in the legs become restricted or clogged with fatty deposits. This reduces blood flow to the legs resulting in leg muscle pain when walking, disability, amputation, and a poor quality of life. Blocked arteries found in people with PAD can be a red flag that other arteries may also be blocked – increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Do I need a P.A.D screening?

If you are older than 50 years old, experiencing leg pain and have more than one of the following mentioned risk factors, talk to your doctor about PAD:

• Smoke (current or former)
• High Blood Pressure
• Personal/Family History of Heart Attack or Stroke
• Diabetes
• High Cholesterol

Peripheral Arterial Disease affects nearly 10 million Americans yet many know little about it. This is why awareness and educating Americans about this disease is so essential.

Peripheral Vascular Associates is proud to serve the San Antonio community and surrounding areas in vascular disease education, prevention, and treatment for over 43 years. Our vascular physicians are dedicated to helping our patients better understand how we can help them with vascular disease. If you would like more information about vascular health, please contact us or schedule an appointment at (210) 237-4444.