Call 1-800-9ST-MARY to schedule your Prevention Test. You must have an appointment to be screened.
Cost: $45 for each test, or $99 for the three-test package (cash or check only).
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a common condition that often is undiagnosed. PVD is most frequently caused by blockages that can reduce the normal blood flow through arteries to the arms, legs or brain. This also is referred to as atherosclerosis, or “hardening of the arteries.” Cholesterol and other fatty substances begin to build up on the lining of the arteries and form a substance known as plaque. As the plaque increases in size, it can block blood flow.
Risk Factors for PVD
There are several contributors or risk factors that lead to or aggravate PVD.
The most common risk factors include:
Smoking
Family history
Hypertension
High cholesterol
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Gender and age
Symptoms of PVD
The most common symptom of PVD is painful cramping in the leg or hip, usually occurring while walking. This cramping occurs because there is not enough blood flowing to the leg muscles during exercise or movement.
Other symptoms of PVD include:
Numbness, tingling and/or weakness in the extremity
A burning or aching sensation in the feet or toes while resting
A wound or sore on the foot or toes that does not heal
Cold legs or feet
Skin color changes on the extremity
Hair loss on the extremity
If left untreated, severe cases of PVD may lead to infection and gangrene, requiring the amputation of the affected extremity.
Treatment options for PVD
Treatment options are dependent upon a person’s overall health and the severity of the condition. While some of the contributors to PVD cannot be changed, many cases of PVD can be treated and managed with lifestyle adjustments.
Lifestyle changes include:
Quitting smoking
Following a healthy, low-fat diet
Losing weight
Exercising regularly
Your physician also may prescribe medications to control high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, reduce plaque build-up and reduce pain when walking and exercising.
Medical Treatment
If you experience symptoms associated with PVD, or have risk factors contributing to PVD, talk with your physician about Cardiovascular Risk Reduction. St. Mary’s Medical Center offers comprehensive diagnostic and prevention services and the expertise of skilled vascular surgeons, cardiologists and interventional radiologists. This team of experts works with your physician to offer the most appropriate and effective treatment options.
For patients with peripheral vascular disease that can be treated medically, referral can be made to SMMC Physical Therapy for a customized exercise program. This supervised program will occur in the state of the art Wellness Facility located in the Regional Heart Institute. The program is very affordable and the initial evaluation is covered under most insurance programs.
For conditions that cannot be treated through lifestyle changes and/or medication, your physician may recommend medical or surgical treatment options performed by a vascular specialist, interventional radiologist, interventional cardiologist or vascular surgeon.
If you have questions about your condition, please consult your physician. For more information about peripheral vascular disease, contact the Regional Heart Institute at (304) 526-6029.
