Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a common disorder that affects approximately 12 to 20 % of the population above 60 years of age. If diagnosed, ensure you get peripheral vascular disease treatment in Chennai as soon as possible. PVD is a circulatory disorder, wherein arteries of mainly the legs get narrowed, blocked, or spasmed, reducing the blood flow to the limb. The extremity does not receive enough blood to meet the demand. This lag in blood supply presents itself as pain and fatigue while walking or during exercise. This condition of insufficient blood supply causing pain at the lower limb triggered by physical activity such as walking is called Claudication. Most common location for claudication is calf muscle pain or cramps while walking.
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Types
Functional PVD – Blood vessels expand and contract in response to signals from the brain and external temperature. Restricted blood flow is when arteries contract or become narrow. There is no physical damage to the structure of blood vessels. Emotional stress, cold temperatures, operating high vibration machinery or tools and certain drugs are common conditions that can contribute to functional PVD.
Organic PVD – Structural damage to blood vessels like inflammation, plaques and tissue damage reduce blood flow to extremities. Aging, obesity, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol are the foremost causes of organic PVD. Severe injuries, structural abnormalities of muscles and ligaments, blood vessel inflammation and infection are additional causative factors.
Symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease
Cramping pain in the hips, thighs or calf muscles after physical activity (claudication)
● Numbness or weakness in legs
● Feeling of chillness in the feet
● Long lasting sores in toes, feet or legs
● Discolouration of the skin on the leg
● Skin on the leg may look shiny
● Loss of hair from the legs
● Abnormal or slow growth of toe nails
● Pulse cannot be felt easily in the legs
● Erectile dysfunction in men
Complications
● Critical limb Ischaemia leading to limb amputation
● Heart attack or stroke
● Impotence
Diagnosis
Screening – One or more of the following investigational procedures are necessary to evaluate and arrive at the diagnosis
- – Doppler Ultrasound to study the flow of blood
- – Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) to differentiate blood pressure of arms to legs
- – Angiography to study the clogged artery
- – MRI or CTA of blood vessels to know the extent of the blockage
Best Treatment for PVD at Laser Vein Clinic
Management plan includes control measures to stop the progression of the problem and thereby avoid complications and to alleviate pain symptoms to promote being active.
In accordance, first line treatment involves lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, low fat diet, weight loss, diabetes control and withdrawal from smoking.
More often, medications are necessary to facilitate better blood flow that controls symptoms of cramping. Medications to reduce blood clotting, lower the levels of cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar may be suggested.
Vascular surgeries to by-pass the narrowing of the arteries may be necessary. Angioplasty to inflate the blood vessels and placement of stents to allow the arteries remain open may become necessary in severe cases of blocked blood vessels. Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) is an advanced non-invasive procedure to widen a narrowed or blocked artery.
In addition to the above, Varicose Veins treatment in Chennai may also be necessary for patients suffering from blocked blood vessels.