About this topic
Peripheral vascular disease is also called PVD. It is where the arteries that carry blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your legs, arms, or pelvis become narrow or blocked. PVD is caused by the buildup of fatty material in your arteries. This fatty material is called plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance found in the blood. The arteries begin to narrow and limit blood flow to your body. ‚
PVD can cause numbness and pain in the leg. If not treated, it can make walking painful. PVD may lead to more serious health problems. ‚
Treatments may lower your signs and slow how fast the disease progresses. It may also prevent other problems. ‚
This illness is treated with drugs and lifestyle changes. Surgery may be needed if you have a more serious case. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- When lying down or relaxing, raise your legs above the level of your heart.
- Wear loose fitting pants and other clothes. This will help keep good blood flow to your legs.
- If you smoke, ask your doctor how to quit. Quitting is very important in treatment.
- Walking is good for this illness. Talk to your doctor about an exercise program for you. You may need to see a physical therapist to find the best exercises for you.
- Work with your doctor to treat other illnesses like high cholesterol or diabetes.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- There may be other tests needed to check your progress.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent blood clots
- Help you stop smoking
- Lower high blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Improve sugar control if you have diabetes
Will physical activity be limited?
Start an exercise program. This can help lower your blood pressure and make your heart stronger. Regular exercise can help lessen the signs and the risk of other health problems. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Follow a heart healthy diet. Ask the dietitian for a plan.
- Eat foods high in fiber like fruits, vegetables, cereals, whole grains, and beans.
- Do not eat foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats like fried foods, fatty meats, sausages, and canned meats.
- Limit salty foods. Avoid canned, dried, and processed foods. Do not add salt to your food. Season food with herbs when you cook.
- Limit caffeine intake.
- Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol). Ask for help to stop you from drinking.
What problems could happen?
- Problems with your heart
- Stroke
- Less able to get around
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Very bad pain in the leg or foot
- Color of foot changes to blue or gray and becomes cold
- Chest pain or pressure
- Trouble breathing
- Change in thinking clearly
- Strength on one side of body is greater than the other or trouble speaking
- Feelings of being very tired or weak
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what I can do to help keep good blood flow to my legs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a heart attack or stroke.
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/PeripheralArteryDisease/About-Peripheral-Artery-Disease-PAD_UCM_301301_Article.jsp ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/PeripheralArteryDisease/Prevention-and-Treatment-of-PAD_UCM_301308_Article.jsp ‚
National Heart Institute ¢ ˆ ’ Senior Health ‚
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/peripheralarterialdisease/whatispad/01.html ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pad/ ‚
Vascular Disease Foundation ‚
http://www.vdf.org/diseaseinfo/pad/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚