Recognizing the Signs of Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

When you have peripheral vascular disease (PVD), blood can’t flow normally through your arms, legs, or organs. While most anyone can develop PVD, the circulatory condition becomes more likely after age 50. It affects up to 20% of adults aged 80 and older.

Board-certified neurologist Dr. Farhad Elyaderani and his team in New Rochelle and Yonkers, New York, diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent PVD.

As we approach PAD/PVD Awareness Month in September, Dr. Elyaderani highlights this severe (and treatable) disease, including signs to look out for.

Types of PVD

There are two main types of PVD: occlusive and functional. The most common type, occlusive PVD, involves the blockage or narrowing of an artery – often due to plaque buildup. Less frequently, a cyst, tumor, or abnormal muscle arterial growth fuels occlusive PVD.

Occlusive PVD is also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). And once it unfolds, your blood can’t transport oxygen and nutrients throughout your arteries properly.

Functional PVD causes exaggerated artery responses to environmental changes, like temperature. Genetic factors, injuries, nerve issues, and certain drugs can play a role. This type of PVD tends to develop more gradually and mildly.

Common signs of PVD

Peripheral vascular disease doesn’t always cause noticeable or severe symptoms. When signs do appear, they often affect your arms or legs and range from mild to severe. 

Common PVD symptoms include:

• Arm pain that flares up during use
• A weak pulse (or no pulse) in your feet or legs
• Leg or hip pain when you walk or exercise
• Muscle aches or cramping, particularly in the calf
• Leg numbness or weakness

Severe muscle pain from PVD can cause mobility problems and interfere with sleep. And a lack of activity or rest can worsen your symptoms.

Other potential PVD signs include color changes or shininess on your legs, slow toenail growth, and long-lasting sores on your feet or legs. PVD can also fuel sexual challenges, such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and low libido. 

Effective PVD treatment

Peripheral vascular disease treatment depends on your overall health and the severity of your condition. Regardless of the specifics, the right care plan can lower your risk of PVD complications, such as stroke, gangrene, and limb amputation. Dr. Elyaderani also aims to efficiently minimize your symptoms, such as chronic leg pain.

Your PVD treatment plan may include:

• Improved diet and exercise habits
• Quitting smoking
• Medication for improved arterial health
• Surgery (for moderate to severe cases)

Once your treatment begins, our team can monitor your progress and help address any challenges you face along the way.

If you’ve noticed signs of PVD or wish to get started with personalized treatment or preventive care, call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani or request an appointment online today.