Peripheral Artery and Vein Disease

Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries that carry blood to the limbs (typically the legs) become narrowed or blocked as a result of plaque buildup. This can cause a reduction in blood flow, leading to symptoms such as pain, cramping, and fatigue in the affected limb. PAD is often caused by the same factors that contribute to the development of coronary artery disease (e.g., high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking), and it can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Symptoms

Painful cramping in the hips, thighs, or calf muscles after physical activity, such as walking or climbing stairs (this is called "claudication")
Leg numbness or weakness
Coldness in the lower leg or foot, compared to the other side of the body
Sores or wounds on the toes, feet, or legs that are slow to heal
A change in the colour of the skin on the legs
A loss of hair on the legs
Shiny skin on the legs
Slower growth of toenails or loss of toenails
Erectile dysfunction in men

Causes

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the arms and legs. This narrowing is often due to a buildup of plaque, which is a combination of cholesterol, fat, and other substances in the blood. PAD is most commonly found in the arteries of the legs, but it can also occur in the arteries of the arms, head, and abdomen. Risk factors for PAD include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, age (PAD is more common in people over the age of 50), and a family history of PAD or heart disease.

Peripheral vein disease (PVD) is caused by a problem with the veins in the legs, which can lead to poor circulation and a build-up of fluid in the legs. PVD can be caused by a variety of factors, including varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the leg), injuries to the veins, surgery on the veins, pregnancy, and being overweight or obese.

Risk Factors

Smoking
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Obesity
Age (PAD is more common in people over the age of 50)
Family history of PAD or heart disease
Varicose veins
Deep vein thrombosis or blood clot in the leg
Injuries to the veins
Surgery on the veins
Pregnancy
Overweight or obese

Complications

Amputation of the affected limb
Gangrene (death of tissue)
Heart attack
Stroke
Leg ulcers
Cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection)
Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein, often accompanied by a blood clot)

How to diagnose?

There are several tests that can be used to diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD) and peripheral vein disease (PVD). These tests may include:

Physical examination: During a physical examination, your doctor will check your pulse, look for signs of poor circulation (such as pale or blue skin), and check for tenderness or swelling in your legs.
Ankle-brachial index (ABI): This test compares the blood pressure in your ankles to the blood pressure in your arms. It is a simple and painless test that can help to diagnose PAD.
Doppler ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the blood flow in your arteries and veins. It can help to diagnose PAD and PVD, as well as other circulation problems.
CT angiography: This test uses X-rays and a contrast dye to create detailed images of the arteries and veins in your legs. It is often used to diagnose PAD and PVD.
MRI angiography: This test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the arteries and veins in your legs. It is often used to diagnose PAD and PVD.
Venous duplex ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the blood flow in your veins. It can help to diagnose PVD and other circulation problems.

If you are experiencing symptoms of PAD or PVD, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to prevent it?

Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for PAD, so quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the disease.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated and trans fats, can help to reduce your risk of PAD.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help to improve circulation and lower your risk of PAD and PVD.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of PAD and PVD, so maintaining a healthy weight is important for preventing these conditions.
Manage other health conditions: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, it is important to manage these conditions with proper treatment. These conditions can increase your risk of PAD and PVD.
Wear compression stockings: If you have varicose veins or other vein problems, wearing compression stockings can help to improve circulation and prevent PVD.
Avoid prolonged standing or sitting: Prolonged standing or sitting can lead to poor circulation, which can increase your risk of PVD. It is important to take breaks and stretch your legs frequently if you have to stand or sit for long periods of time.

When you need to see a doctor

It is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD) or peripheral vein disease (PVD). PAD and PVD can both be serious conditions that can lead to complications if left untreated. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best course of treatment based on the severity of your condition and your overall health.

FAQs

What is the difference between PAD and PVD?

PAD is a condition that occurs when the arteries that carry blood to the arms and legs become narrowed or blocked. PVD is a condition that occurs when the veins in the legs become damaged or blocked, leading to poor circulation and a build-up of fluid in the legs.

What is the life expectancy of someone with peripheral artery disease?

PAD disease life expectancy is difficult to determine though one in five people with PAD suffer from a heart attack, stroke or death within five years, if not treated on time.

Visit a doctor when you are suffering from heart problems!