Guide To The Causes And Risk Factors For Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease is a blood vessel disorder where the blood vessels outside the brain and heart become too narrow to allow for proper blood flow. It may produce symptoms such as claudication, hair loss on the legs, leg cramps, pale or blue legs and arms, weak pulses in the legs and feet, ulcers that won't heal on the legs, blue-colored toes, thick opaque toenails, muscle numbness, and heavy muscles. Peripheral vascular disease is diagnosed with the use of doppler ultrasound, angiography, CT angiography, ankle-brachial index, and magnetic resonance angiography. Treatment of peripheral vascular disease focuses on maintaining a normal activity level, preventing complications, and managing pain. Medication may be used to help the blood flow through the vessels more efficiently, and surgery may be needed in cases with severe artery blockages.