Sometimes referred to as PVD, Peripheral vascular disease is a fairly common condition. It is defined as any disease occurring in the vessels outside of the brain and heart. PVD is said to affect approximately 5% of the population. Evaluation and treatment works best at its early stages.

Risk Factor Assessment

While some lifestyle choices can contribute to the development of PVD the main causes are inflammation of blood vessels, injury to an area, abnormal genetic anatomy, radiation exposure, or atherosclerosis. Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and hypertension are at a higher risk, as well as smokers, those who are severely overweight, or people who are sedentary. Age and family history are also contributing factors that can come into play.

Recognize the Symptoms of PVD

Cramping, coldness, numbness, weakness in the legs and feet, as well as a slowing of nail and hair growth, sores that won’t heal on the legs.

How is PVD Diagnosed?

Testing is recommended for those age 70 and over as well as those over the age of 50 with a family history.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a sound wave based procedure performed right in the doctor’s office. It is both safe and effective to diagnose blockages in arteries. The purpose of using ultrasound, in this case, is to determine the presence and extent of disease in the carotid arteries. Carotid ultrasounds are recommended for patients who have suffered a stroke or who have had episodes of blacking out.

Angiography

Angiography utilizes the injection of contrast liquid into the arteries. Then using x-rays your doctor will have a viewable image of your arteries providing them with the information required regarding the presence, extent, and location of disease in the arteries.

Aortic Aneurysm Screening

This preventative screening is painless and non-invasive and is especially recommended in men who are smokers or ex-smokers between the ages of 65 and 75. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a potentially life-threatening condition that oftentimes shows no symptoms at all until it is too late.

Treatment

Generally, treatment is done via medication. This is administered in an attempt to help reduce symptoms in the patient. Once symptoms are under control a more long-term plan can be put into place modifying lifestyle and diet. If this still fails, the physicians at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates may decide to go ahead with angioplasty. Angioplasty is the act of ballooning inside of the blockages in the arteries, and sometimes the placement of a stent to hold the artery open. This procedure can be used to treat blockages in order to reduce the risk of future strokes.

If you believe you may be at risk for or have developed PVD we invite you to schedule a consultation with us today. Give the office of Tampa Cardiovascular Associates a call today at (813) 975-2800 or visit us online to learn more www.tampacardio.com.