PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE

What Is PVD? Does your leg hurt or become cramped while you walk or climb stairs? When you stop to rest, the pain may go away. But it comes back when you start to move again. This pain cycle is called intermittent claudication. It can be a sign of peripheral vascular disease, or PVD (also known as "poor circulation"). With PVD, the vessels that carry blood to your lower body become narrowed or blocked. This makes it harder for blood to reach your leg. If PVD is not treated, leg and foot tissure may die. This is called gangrene and may lead to amputation. You can help avoid such problems by working with your doctor.   What Causes PVD? As you age, your blood vessels may become damaged. Plaque (a buildup of fat and other materials) may collect along inner walls of the blood vessels. The plaque can narrow or block your blood vessels.   A Healthy Vessel A healthy vessel allows blood to flow freely. Blood carries oxygen to the muscles. During activity, more oxygen is needed so more blood flows through the vessel. Leg tissue stays healthy if it receives enough blood.   A Narrowed Vessel Plaque buildup reduces blood flow. Muscle tissue does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. Leg muscles may cramp during activity. Cramping may go away with rest, then return when activity resumes.   A Blocked Vessel Severe plaque buildup does not allow blood to flow. Leg muscles become oxygen-starved. Tissue begins to die. Muscles may cramp, even at rest. Night pains are common during this stage.     Physical Exam Your doctor will ask you questions about when you feel pain and how long it lasts. Your blood pressure and pulse may be taken at your leg and arm to see how well blood is flowing. As foot problems can be a sign of PVD, your doctor will check the color of your feet and look for cracks or infections.   Diagnostic Tests Your doctor may order some tests to see where your blood vessels are blocked. A Doppler exam uses harmless sound waves to produce an image of your blood vessels. During an arteriogram, dye is injected into your blood vessels. Then a series of x-rays is taken. The dye helps your blood vessels appear in the x-rays.   Controlling PVD Certain health problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes make PVD worse. Talk to your doctor about controlling these problems. Below are some ways to manage PVD.   Stop Smoking Smoking narrows your blood vessels. It also raises your blood pressure. Ask your doctor about stop-smoking programs and aids.   Control Blood Sugar High blood sugar caused by diabetes can speed up damage to your blood vessels. Work with your doctor to control your blood sugar levels.   Be More Active Exercise improves blood flow. It can even help new blood vessels form. Exercise may hurt at first. But with regular activity, pain will begin to ease. Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan that's right for you.   Eat Right Too much fat in your diet can raise cholesterol and clog blood vessels. Avoid fatty, greasy, and fried foods. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables instead. And limit caffeine. It can narrow blood vessels.   Other Treatment Options For some people with PVD, medications or surgery may be suggested. Your doctor may talk to you about these treatment options.   Protecting Your Feet With PVD, less blood reaches your feet. As a result, you may develop foot problems. To help keep your feet healthy, check them daily for changes. You may need to use a mirror or ask someone to check for you. Below are some other tips.   Caring for Your Feet Always wear shoes and socks, even indoors. Dry between toes after showering. Apply moisturizer daily to callus-prone areas of your feet. (Do not put cream between your toes.) If asked to, go to your doctor for nail trimming.   Call Your Doctor If: You notice any changes in your feet. This includes swelling and changes in color. Your leg or foot hurts while you are resting.