Peripheral vascular (or arterial) disease (PVD) is caused by “hardening of the arteries” otherwise known as atherosclerosis, and typically develops slowly over time mostly affecting patients starting in their 50’s. PVD can be aggravated by various factors such as genetics, smoking and a diet high in saturated fats.
PVD is similar to coronary artery disease, which affects the arteries supplying blood to the heart and can result in heart attacks. Peripheral vascular disease can affect a variety of blood vessels, including:
- Carotid arteries – provide blood flow to the brain
- Renal arteries – provide blood flow to the kidneys
- Visceral arteries – provide blood flow to the digestive system
- Arteries to the extremities – provide blood flow to our arms and legs
Your doctor may recommend a PVD evaluation and possibly treatment for a variety of reasons, including stroke or stroke-like symptoms, pain after eating, poorly controlled blood pressure, or pain/numbness in the extremities while walking or using our arms, as well as for ulcers or wounds that are not healing.
Our doctors at CHV are highly trained in the following peripheral vascular disease procedures.
- Renal artery stenting
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm endovascular repair
- Angioplasty/ stenting/atherectomy of the extremities
- Limb salvage therapies
- Peripheral vascular ultrasound and interpretation