What is Peripheral Vascular Disease?
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is the process of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in arterial blood vessels other than those in the heart. Just as the arteries for the heart can become blocked or narrowed by plaque formation, so can the arteries of the legs, feet, arms, stomach, kidneys, and neck. Blockage of blood flow deprives these vital organs and muscles of oxygen and blood, resulting in a number of symptoms-with the potential for serious consequences.
Who is at Risk?
Risk factors for developing PVD include:
- diabetes
- heart disease
- cigarette smoking
- hypertension
- high cholesterol
- advanced age
Learn more about how peripheral vascular disease is diagnosed and treated
Frequently asked questions about peripheral vascular disease.
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