Peripheral Vascular Diseases

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a progressive condition affecting arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels throughout the body, excluding those supplying the heart and brain. The most prevalent underlying cause is atherosclerosis, where plaque buildup narrows vessel walls, though blood clots, injuries, or infections can also contribute to reduced blood flow. When specifically involving arteries, the condition is termed peripheral artery disease (PAD), which often impacts the lower limbs.

Symptoms vary based on the affected location, ranging from asymptomatic presentations to debilitating pain. A hallmark symptom is intermittent claudication, characterized by cramping or aching in the legs during physical activity that improves with rest. Other clinical manifestations include coldness in the feet, non-healing sores, skin discoloration, hair loss on the legs, and, in men, erectile dysfunction.

Management strategies focus on symptom relief and preventing severe complications such as limb ischemia or systemic cardiovascular events. Initial interventions prioritize lifestyle modifications, including smoking cessation, structured exercise programs, and dietary adjustments. Pharmacological support may include statins, antihypertensives, and antiplatelet agents, while severe cases may necessitate surgical or endovascular procedures to restore circulation.