St. Anthony's Heart Fair
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a condition similar to coronary artery disease and carotid artery disease. PVD is characterized by blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the legs and is a warning sign that other arteries, including those in the heart and brain, may be blocked as well. Most people with PVD have a higher risk of death from heart attack and stroke.
Risk Factors for Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD )
- Over 50 years of age
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Overweight or Obese
- Diabetes
- Inactive (sedentary) lifestyle
- Family history of early heart attack or stroke
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Read Our Frequently Asked Questions.
Symptoms of PVD:
- Leg pain at rest
- Leg pain worse with exercise (claudication)
- Leg pain relieved by rest
- Pale leg
- Leg coldness and/or numbness
- Dry/scaly leg skin
- Leg ulcers
- Poorly healing leg skin rash
An Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) screening is commonly used to test for PVD. This test compares the blood pressure in the arm (brachial pressure) with the blood pressure in the legs. The blood pressure is taken in both arms and both ankles. In a person with healthy blood vessels, the pressure should be higher in the legs than in the arms.
Other Info:
Stat Heart Program
Stress Tests
Cardiac Catheterization
Heart Scan