Which symptom would the nurse expect to find in a patient diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease?
Peripheral vascular disease is a disease that causes restricted blood flow to the arms, legs, or other body parts. It occurs when arteries or veins get narrower, become blocked, or spasm. Show Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) describes the reduced circulation of blood to a body part (not including the brain or heart). If PVD occurs only in the arteries, it is called peripheral artery disease (PAD). Most cases of PVD affect the arteries, so research often uses the terms interchangeably. In this article, we look closely at PVD, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. Share on PinterestPAD, or peripheral artery disease, is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This can cause leg pain as the blockage builds. Illustration by Jason Hoffman. Signs and symptoms of PVD often appear gradually. They occur more commonly in the legs than in the arms because the blood vessels in the legs are further from the heart. Typical symptoms of PVD include feeling pain, aches, or cramps while walking. However, up to 40 percent of people with PVD or PAD do not experience leg pain. These pains, aches, and cramps related to physical activity are referred to as claudication, and they can occur in the following areas:
Symptoms of claudication often develop when someone is walking for longer distances or exercising. The symptoms typically go away with rest. However, as PVD progresses, symptoms may get worse and become more frequent. Leg pain and fatigue may persist even while resting. Other symptoms of PVD can include:
Causes of PVD vary and depend on the type a person has. Arteriosclerosis, which is due to changes in the structure of the blood vessels, is the most common cause of PVD. Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque (fats and other substances) builds up in the blood vessels. Atherosclerosis can restrict blood flow and, if left untreated, cause clots. Clots block the arteries and can cause loss of limbs or organ damage. Common risk factors for atherosclerosis include:
The following conditions may also cause structural changes in the blood vessels:
Injury, inflammation, or infection in the blood vessels may also cause structural changes in the blood vessels. In general, the risk factors for PVD are similar to those for arteriosclerosis. They include:
If a person suspects they have PVD, it is essential that they see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outlook for the disease and prevent severe complications. A doctor will diagnose PVD by:
They may also order tests to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other conditions. Several other disorders can mimic the symptoms of PVD and PAD. Tests used to diagnose PVD include:
Effective PVD treatment aims to slow or stop disease progression, manage pain and other symptoms, and reduce the risk of serious complications. PVD treatment plans usually involve lifestyle changes. Some people may also require medication, and severe cases may require surgical treatment. Lifestyle changesLifestyle changes include:
MedicationMedications to treat PVD include:
Co-occurring conditions may also require medications to keep symptoms under control. For example, some people may need:
SurgeryPeople with severe PVD might require surgery to widen arteries or bypass blockages. Surgical options include:
If PVD is left undiagnosed and untreated, it can cause severe or life threatening complications, such as:
A person can reduce their risk of developing PVD by engaging in behaviors that help lower their chance of developing many other chronic diseases. Some of these behaviors include:
When diagnosed early, PVD is often easily treated with lifestyle modifications and medications. A doctor can monitor a person’s improvement by measuring the distance they can walk without claudication. If treatments are effective, people should be able to gradually walk longer distances without pain. Early intervention may prevent the condition from progressing and can help a person avoid complications. Anyone experiencing any of the symptoms of PVD should see a doctor. The sudden development of pale, cold, and aching limbs with loss of pulses is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. What symptoms might indicate peripheral vascular disease?What are the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease?. Changes in the skin, including decreased skin temperature, or thin, brittle, shiny skin on the legs and feet.. Weak pulses in the legs and the feet.. Gangrene (dead tissue due to lack of blood flow). Hair loss on the legs.. Impotence.. What are the signs and symptoms of peripheral?Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include: Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms. Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain. Extreme sensitivity to touch.
What happens in peripheral vascular disease?Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a blood circulation disorder that causes the blood vessels outside of your heart and brain to narrow, block, or spasm. This can happen in your arteries or veins. PVD typically causes pain and fatigue, often in your legs, and especially during exercise.
What are the five classic peripheral signs of PVD?The classic symptoms are pain, achiness, fatigue, burning, or discomfort in the muscles of your feet, calves, or thighs. These symptoms usually appear during walking or exercise and go away after several minutes of rest.
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