What is peripheral vascular disease?
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) occurs when the arteries in your legs or arms become narrowed or blocked, interfering with blood flow. The decrease in blood flow can injure nerves and other issues.
Also called arteriosclerosis of the extremities, PVD is a common disorder in people over 50 and is generally controllable with treatment. In some cases, surgery or angioplasty may be necessary to relieve symptoms. Symptoms you might experience are pain or cramping in the legs after walking, which are usually relieved with rest. Other symptoms include aching or throbbing in your feet after resting or sleeping for several hours. Sores that do not heal, cold legs or feet, numbness and tingling, or color changes in the skin can also indicate impaired circulation.
Are you at risk for PVD?
Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Are you over 50?
2. Do you or anyone in your immediate family have a history of heart disease or stroke?
3. Do you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol?
4. Are you diabetic?
5. Do you smoke or have you ever smoked?
6. Are you more than 25 pounds overweight or do you have an inactive lifestyle?
7. Do you get pain or cramping in your legs after walking?
8. Do you have any sores that are slow to heal?
9. Do you eat fried or fatty foods more than three times a week?
10. Do you have pain in your toes or feet at night?
11. Have you experienced any hair loss or absence on your legs or arms?
The more times you answer yes, the more important it is to see your doctor about PVD.
Call for a free screening
A simple, non-invasive screening called an ankle/brachial index can be used to detect an abnormal ratio between the blood pressure of the leg and the arm, which can let you know if you have PVD. The Vascular Imaging Centers at Evanston, Glenbrook and Highland Park Hospitals offer these screenings free of charge on Tuesdays and Thursdays, by appointment only.
To schedule an appointment, call (888) NorthShore University HealthSystem.6400 (364.6400)