What are PAD and PVD?

Peripheral Arterial Disease & Peripheral Vascular Disease

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?

PAD is a circulatory condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs. Though it can happen in any blood vessel, it typically manifests itself in the lower legs.

It is primarily caused by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, which is called atherosclerosis. Due to a lack of education around it, PAD is often left undiagnosed by healthcare professionals, often due to their patients lacking any symptoms.

Most importantly, if left untreated, PAD can result in amputation.

What is Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)?

PVD is the same condition as PAD, however, instead of taking place in the arteries, it takes place in the veins.

To learn more about the symptoms and treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), visit PVD and Me’s website here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Are Risk Factors of PAD?

Increasing Age

Family History

Diabetes

Obesity

History of Smoking

High Cholesterol

Heart Disease

Heavy Alcohol Consumption

Poor Diet

What Are The Symptoms of PAD

1. Change in the color of the feet or toes

2. Change in the toenails

3. Coldness in the lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other leg

4. Hair loss on the feet and legs

5. Painful cramping in the hip, thigh or calf muscles after walking or climbing up stairs (claudication)

6. Sores on toes, feet or legs that heal slowly

7. Swelling

8. Spider, reticular and varicose veins

How Can PAD Be Treated?

Treatment can begin with promoting lifestyle changes that deviate from known risk factors. However, in more severe cases, Peripheral Arterial (Leg) Revascularization will need to take place.

This would require mitigating the blockages to re-introduce a healthy blood flow through the artery.

Individualized Care

Left untreated, PAD can result in amputation of the affected extremity, typically the toe(s) or foot.

For an excellent overview about PAD, check out this video from Dr. Gabor Winkler uploaded by McLeodHealth:

Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire

✆ Phone (appointments): 909-318-3498

11760 Central Ave, Suite 204, Chino, CA 91710

1900 Royalty Dr. Ste. 120, Pomona, CA 91767