Peripheral Vascular Disease vs Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral vascular disease vs peripheral arterial disease are related conditions that affect blood flow to the limbs, but they differ in their specific causes and implications for overall cardiovascular health. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a broad term that encompasses various disorders affecting the blood vessels other than the heart and brain. These conditions may impact arteries, veins, or lymphatic vessels. So, a whole range of symptoms and impairments may be experienced by patients depending on their which condition is diagnosed.

Let’s explore the different categories that fall under peripheral vascular disease, the risk factors, how conditions are diagnosed, and what patients can do to control their risk of developing these ailments. Then we’ll discuss treatment options that may be available.

Types of PVD

Health professionals will classify a medical condition into different categories depending on where the vascular condition presents. However, risk factors and symptoms may be shared for many of the following diseases.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a specific type of PVD that affects the arteries, or blood vessels carrying oxygenated blood away from the heart. Generally, PAD is caused by atherosclerosis, or plaque build-up on the artery wall, which leads to narrowed artery diameter. Because of this, blood flow is restricted and can lead to a range of symptoms.

Many patients with peripheral artery disease experience pain or cramping in the legs during periods of exercise which may go away with rest. This is called intermittent claudication. Numbness or weakness in the legs is also on the list of common symptoms. Sufferers may also experience poor wound healing, especially on the feet or legs since this is the point furthest from the heart.

Peripheral Venous Disease

Peripheral venous disease is a medical condition that affects the veins specifically in the limbs, especially the lower extremities. It can cause them to swell and bulge. Prolonged sitting or standing, obesity, pregnancy, or a history of deep vein thrombosis can all cause this disease. These factors may lead to weakened or damaged vein walls or valves.

Besides swelling, common symptoms include pain and heaviness in the limbs, varicose veins, or ulcers on the legs.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition where the veins are not able to return blood to the heart efficiently. It often results from damaged and weakened valves in the veins due to aging, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Common symptoms can include swelling in the legs and ankles or a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Varicose veins, visible ulcers on the legs, or skin changes may also develop.

Coronary Artery Disease

While not strictly a category of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), coronary artery disease is a kind of vascular disease. Instead, it directly affects the arteries supplying the heart itself. It often has the same causal factors as other vascular conditions – atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and a lack of exercise.

Symptoms of coronary artery disease may include chest pain, or angina, fatigue, or in severe form, a heart attack.

Risk Factors for Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

Although vascular disease encompasses several disorders affecting the blood vessel walls and valves, there are common factors that may put a person at a higher risk. Let’s examine a few of these risk factors.

Age

Age is a factor in developing vascular diseases. Patients over 50 years of age are at a higher risk. While this factor cannot be controlled, patients who take care of their health may be able to reduce other contributing factors by staying active and eating a healthy diet.

History of Blood Flow Issues

Patients with a family history of vascular disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol may be at a higher danger of developing peripheral vascular disease. Make sure to disclose your full medical history to your healthcare professional, including any family members who may have suffered similar conditions.

Lifestyle

A person’s lifestyle may have a lot to do with whether they are at the highest risk of developing a vascular condition. Lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, and high blood pressure all contribute to PVD risk. Smoking and caffeine also restrict blood flow and can lead to worse PAD symptoms.

Diagnosing Peripheral Vascular Disease

A proper diagnosis of PVD involves a combination of a thorough medical history, a physical exam, and considering the family’s history of heart disease. Diagnostic procedures will round out the discovery phase to help come to an informed decision on what is inflicting a patient.

Ankle Brachial Index Test

Most diagnostic tests are designed to evaluate blood flow. For example, the ankle brachial index (ABI) test will compare the blood pressure measurements in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm to detect marked differences or blockages.

Angiogram

An angiogram is a procedure that uses X-rays to examine blood flow and blood vessels in the body. This is accomplished by inserting a catheter, or small tube, into an artery or vein. A contrast dye makes the flow visible during the exam. A doctor can more readily visualize the blood supply as it travels to the limbs and back to the heart while looking for any obstructions.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

The MRA procedure is one of the most minimally invasive procedures available to create images of blood vessels and their flow through the use of radio waves and a magnet.

It can help a radiologist visualize a blocked or narrowed artery. The procedure is also used in evaluating other medical conditions like pulmonary embolism, stroke, or blood clots.

Doppler Ultrasound Flow Studies

A Doppler ultrasound, also called Doppler velocimetry, is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to measure the flow of blood through vessels. High-frequency sound waves are introduced into the body with a transducer. The waves bounce off the red blood cells and other body parts. The device converts the echoing sound waves into a 3D image.

How to Control Risk Factors

Any time a patient’s lifestyle is listed among risk factors, it implies that steps can be taken to control one’s risk of developing the condition. PAD risk factors include obesity, a sedentary activity level, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. So, what can a person do to lower their risk of developing a severe disease like PAD and PVD?

• Eat a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in protein, vegetables, and whole grains promote optimal health. Keep blood sugar levels under control to avoid conditions like diabetes which can make vascular problems more likely.
• Address High Blood Pressure: A healthy BP reduces the stress on vessels that carry blood to the body.
• Consider Weight Management: Weight loss reduces the strain on the blood vessels.
• Plenty of Exercise: Physical activity improves circulation and promotes cardiovascular health.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation is critical as smoking sharply increases the risk of PVD.

Treatment Options for Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

Doctors generally prefer using the least invasive methods first in an attempt to help their patients. Some people respond well to simply using compression socks for managing leg swelling. But, lifestyle changes may not be enough to prevent vascular disease.

If there is disease progression, a doctor may prescribe blood thinners to help manage blood flow. If medication isn’t enough, then vascular surgery is the next step.

Balloon angioplasty procedures are designed to open up a blocked or narrowed artery or vein. A stent may be placed to keep the vessel from collapsing.

A bypass surgery steals a blood vessel from another place in the body and creates a new path around blocked arteries. This new path with the bypass graft helps to improve blood flow by circumventing the blocked vessel.

Conclusion

As we have seen, peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a broad group of conditions affecting the body’s blood vessels. Specific types of PVD are peripheral artery disease (PAD) and peripheral venous disease.

Age, family history, and lifestyle all play a large part in a patient’s risk level for developing PVD. The good news is that many people can do something to address their risk level by making wise choices regarding their health.

A variety of treatments – from lifestyle changes to surgical procedures – are available to address vascular issues. Talk with your doctor today to get assistance in diagnosing blood flow problems and finding a healthier you.