Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a type of disease that occurs when there is a problem in the blood flow. You can relate that to a traffic jam, but it is inside your body. Just like the car that blocks the roads when there is a traffic jam, your blood vessels also block the blood in the same way when your vessels get shrunk or blocked. In this condition, blood vessels outside the brain and heart are affected, primarily those in the arms and legs. These blood vessels, which deliver oxygen-rich blood to various body parts, are also known as peripheral arteries and veins.
When plaque builds up, these blood vessels narrow. This results in reduced blood flow and numbness, causing pain and weakness in the affected areas.
Significance of Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral vascular disease is affecting many individuals worldwide, posing a significant and alarming threat. It is prevalent nowadays. Individuals with an age bracket of 50+ are getting affected by this. This might be the weaker immune system they have. It is also linked with other subtypes of cardiovascular illness such as the coronary artery diseases and the stroke, shares the similar risk factors in the emergence of diabetes, smoking, hypertension, and high levels of cholesterol.
As a result, time is of the essence if the PVD has not been treated; consequences will arise, which will make your quality of life worse. These implications are primarily nonhealing of the wound, hard to treat infections, and in some cases amputation of the limb.
Common Symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease
1. Intermittent Claudication
Intermittent claudication is the most prominent Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) indicator. This includes Various symptoms such as feeling of discomfort. Not only that, It also includes cramping in certain areas, or pain in certain areas of the leg muscle. It typically occurs when a person engages in physical activity such as climbing stairs or cycling. This is due to the narrowed blood vessels, which must work harder to supply enough oxygen to the muscles during that physical activity. This also vanishes when you have taken enough rest but suddenly bounces back when you engage in that physical activity again. It indicates that the oxygen supply is still inadequate.
2. Leg Pain or Numbness
People with PVD might endure persistent pain or numbness in their legs, even when they’re not doing anything strenuous. This discomfort commonly targets the calves, thighs, or buttocks and can worsen with prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Due to this, tissue damage might also occur, which will not be good. Also, one might experience nerve dysfunction. A sense of tingling, Weakness or burning may also develop.
3. Weakness or Fatigue
When not enough blood flows toward your legs, your leg muscles weaken. This restriction of blood flow is due to PVD. Consequently, it becomes difficult for an individual to participate in activities like cycling or riding the bicycle. Besides, Individuals also suffer from weakness and feel pressure in their lower limbs; thus, they do not perform that physical activity for a long time. An example of this would be a Marathon in which a person is trying to run with a lead weight attached to his legs. He might have to struggle through every step.
4. Cold or Discolored Skin
Due to PVD, poor blood circulation in the legs can lead to skin temperature and color changes. You might notice that your toes or feet feel cold, and the skin appears pale or discolored. These symptoms indicate impaired tissue oxygenation and reduced blood flow.
5. Non-Healing Wounds
In some severe cases of PVD, the body’s ability to heal injuries and wounds quickly become disturbed. Even small scratches and minor cuts take much time to heal; you might also have severe infections in some cases. These wounds, primarily located in the lower legs or feet, require prompt and correct treatment. Otherwise, severe medical complications might occur. If not treated correctly, they might also cause tissue loss.
6. Hair Loss or Slow Hair Growth
One of the main targets of the reduced blood in the legs is your hair follicles. It directly affects your feet and leg hair. These symptoms are mainly known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) hair loss, is often a sign of compromised circulation.
Just like grass needs water to stay green and healthy, the same procedure applies to your leg hair. It requires proper blood flow to remain strong. If you recognize these symptoms early, you could seek medical advice promptly. This is crucial in managing PVD efficiently, indirectly improving the overall quality of your life if appropriately treated.
