Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a slow and progressive circulation disorder that can lead to several complications if left untreated. Severe cases of PVD can lead to ‘chronic limb ischemia’ which is when blood flow to your limb is severely restricted. It is very serious. Males with PVD may deveRead more
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a slow and progressive circulation disorder that can lead to several complications if left untreated. Severe cases of PVD can lead to ‘chronic limb ischemia’ which is when blood flow to your limb is severely restricted. It is very serious.
Males with PVD may develop impotence (erectile dysfunction). PVD typically causes pain and fatigue, often in your legs, and especially during exercise. The pain usually improves with rest.
See less
To diagnose peripheral vascular disease, a healthcare provider will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. If you have peripheral vascular disease, the pulse in the affected area may be weak or missing. Tests that may be done to diagnose peripheral vascular disease inRead more
To diagnose peripheral vascular disease, a healthcare provider will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. If you have peripheral vascular disease, the pulse in the affected area may be weak or missing.
Tests that may be done to diagnose peripheral vascular disease include:
See less1. Blood tests to check for conditions related to PAD such as high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and diabetes
2. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) which compares the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm
3. Ultrasound of the legs or feet to see how blood moves through the blood vessels
4. Doppler ultrasound to spot blocked or narrowed arteries
5. Angiography which uses X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, or computerized tomography (CT) scans to look for blockages in the arteries. Before the images are taken, dye (contrast) is injected into a blood vessel. The dye helps the arteries show up more clearly on the test images