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Alternative names Return to top
Peripheral vascular disease; PVD; Peripheral arterial disease; PAD; Arteriosclerosis obliteransDefinition Return to top
Arteriosclerosis of the extremities is a disease of the blood vessels characterized by narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply the legs and feet. This causes a decrease in blood flow that can injure nerves and other tissues.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Arteriosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries," commonly shows its effects first in the legs and feet. The narrowing of the arteries may progress to total closure (occlusion) of the vessel. The vessel walls become less elastic and cannot dilate to allow greater blood flow when needed (such as during exercise). Calcium deposits in the walls of the arteries contribute to the narrowing and stiffness. The effects of these deposits may be seen on ordinary X-rays.
This is a common disorder, usually affecting men over 50 years old. People are at higher risk if they have a personal or family history of coronary artery disease (heart disease) or cerebrovascular disease (stroke), diabetes, smoking, hypertension (high blood pressure), or kidney disease involving hemodialysis.
Symptoms Return to top
Often, symptoms affect one limb. If arteriosclerosis exists in both limbs, the intensity is usually different in each.Signs and tests Return to top
An examination may show arterial bruits (whooshing sound heard with the stethoscope over the artery), decreased or absent pulse in the extremities, or decreased blood pressure in the affected limb.Treatment Return to top
Treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms and self-care to improve circulation.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Arteriosclerosis of the extremities is usually controllable with treatment. Surgery provides good relief of symptoms. Complications may require amputation of the extremity.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate arteriosclerosis of the extremities.
Call your health care provider if new symptoms develop, especially formation of new sores/ulcers or signs of infection (fever, redness, general ill feeling, or joint pain).
Prevention Return to top
Control risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking.
Update Date: 4/13/2004 Updated by: John A. Daller, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |