Introduction

Arterial blockages are a slow and gradual narrowing of the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood throughout the body. These blood vessels could be coronary (supplying blood to the heart), carotid (supplying blood to the brain and the head), peripheral (supplying blood to the body other than heart and brain), or renal (supplying blood to the kidneys) arteries that get blocked due to the accumulation of plaque (fibrous and fatty deposit) over time. This condition of plaque buildup, known as atherosclerosis, is the underlying condition in most arterial blockages. Also known as stenosis, blocked arteries hamper the regular smooth flow of oxygenated blood in the body, causing angina, claudication, kidney failure, high blood pressure, stroke, and other complications depending on the arteries affected by atherosclerosis.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is one of the most common diseases with approx. two hundred million adults reportedly suffer from it, and the incidence increases to nearly 20% in older adults above 70 years. The disease affects the arteries of the extremities, often resulting in restricted mobility of the legs and the arms. The management and treatment for PAD starts with lifestyle changes, cardiovascular risk management, medications, alternate treatment modalities, or surgical or endoscopic treatment.

Continue reading this blog to know what to expect after peripheral artery stent replacement.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of PAD; the other causes may also include injury, inflammation, or exposure of the blood vessels to radiation therapy. The arteries of the legs and arms experience poor blood supply, causing symptoms of claudication (pain in the legs while walking and relief when at rest), and in extreme and severe cases, lead to gangrene.

People with diabetes, family history of PAD, smoking habits, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are highly prone to developing the symptoms of PAD.

Lifestyle changes through a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, stress management, and staying active helps control diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity, the contributing risk factors to PAD.

The treatment therapies aim to reduce the risk of PAD and improve mobility through exercises and walking. Patients less responsive to other therapies and lifestyle changes may need endovascular intervention

The procedure with a minimally invasive approach opens the blocked arteries by pushing the plaque to the arterial walls and placing the stent in the treated arteries. The procedure allows the smooth supply of blood to the extremities. Stents have been used for treating arterial blockages with high success and acceptance rates. Stents do not cure atherosclerosis. They treat the condition and relieve the patient from pain, discomfort, immobility, and dependence. Post-procedural care and management of the disease is a must for healthy living. Endovascular treatment with stent placement relieves the patient from the pain, inflammation, and discomfort associated with blocked peripheral arteries.

Alternatively, patients suffering from PAD can undergo a surgical treatment where a vascular surgeon cuts open the affected area and performs the procedure to cure the patient.

Life after Stent Placement 

Stents are a boon for people who are misfit for surgery and/or non-responsive to other treatment options. The stent placement as a percutaneous procedure offers lesser pain, faster healing, fewer tissue scars, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, and sooner resumption to routine.

The life of the patients undergoing stent placement for peripheral arterial blockages changes post-treatment. They experience significant relief from the symptoms of PAD. They can live a life of their choice once they have completely recovered. Life becomes relatively active and enriching, with people able to manage their daily chores comfortably and without stress and pain. They regain a sense of worthiness and purpose as they are less dependent on others for their daily needs.

However, the comfort and ease of living a life require post-operative care and management. One must pay attention to the fact that prevention is the only cure. The life of an individual after stent placement may seem like below.

• Immediately upon discharge from the hospital, the patient requires proper rest and downtime with physical activities for complete healing.
• Wound care (Diabetic patients) becomes a priority in order to prevent infection and other complications.
• Healing and recovery are faster with stent placement; compared to surgery, hence one is expected to resume routine in a week or two.
• One must adhere to positive lifestyle changes to prevent its relapse.
• With improved blood flow in the extremities, the patient feels less pain and more comfort in walking and staying active.
• The need for regular follow-up with the doctor and routine medications may arise is mandatory to keep a check on the condition.

Conclusion

PAD is a progressive condition, often a sign of poor cardiovascular health. The symptoms may or may not be noticeable earlier. For the treatment for PAD to be successful and effective, one has to take ownership for one’s health by being consistent in living a healthy life through positive lifestyle choices.

Life resumes normalcy faster after stent placement than open surgery. The relief from pain and discomfort makes life enjoyable and fulfilling. The benefits of stent placement for PAD are multiple, provided one takes precautions with wound care (diabetic patients), regular follow-up visits with doctors, a healthy diet, regular exercises, excessive physical stress to the legs and the arms, controlling risk factors, and a positive mindset.

References

Peripheral Arterial Disease – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)

Introduction

Thrombosis comes from the Ancient Greek – thrómbōsis, which means ‘clotting.’ It is the process of the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel and is also known as a thrombus. In the process, it causes blocking and obstructs blood flow in the affected area resulting in complications, especially if the clot moves to a critical part of the circulatory system, the brain, or the lungs. 

In the event of an injury of a blood vessel, either a vein or an artery, it is very typical for the human body to prevent further blood loss by using thrombocytes or platelets and fibrin to form a blood clot. When a piece of the blood clot or the clot breaks free, it can form an embolus that moves around the body in the bloodstream, obstructing blood flow to critical organs like the brain or the lungs, resulting in reduced oxygen supply and blood flow with severe complications.

Types of Thrombosis

Now that you know thrombosis occurs when blood clots block blood vessels, you will discover that there are two broad classifications of thrombosis depending on the type of blood vessel affected (arterial or venous) and the exact location of the blood vessel or the organ supplied by it. 

Venous Thrombosis – When thrombosis occurs in the veins or the blood clot blocks a vein, it is called venous thrombosis, also known as DVT, which stands for deep vein thrombosis. In this case, there is a blood clot in the affected part of the body, like the deep veins, axillary or subclavian veins (deep veins of the upper limb), hepatic veins (veins that drain venous blood from the liver), renal vein (the major blood vessel carrying blood from the kidney and the ureter), or jugular veins (veins located within the carotid sheath on either side of the neck). Veins typically from different parts of body to the heart.

Arterial thrombosis – When thrombosis occurs in the arteries, and the blood clot blocks an artery, it is known as arterial thrombosis. Arteries carry oxy-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. In the case of arterial thrombosis, the blood supply can be affected and restricted, which can further damage the tissue supplied by that particular artery. 

For example, if arterial thrombosis occurs in a blood vessel in the brain, or what we call arterial embolism, it can lead to a stroke. Similarly, the blood clots could migrate downstream and pose a risk affecting any organ. And if arterial thrombosis occurs in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle (coronary arteries), it can lead to a heart attack. The blood clots happen due to the hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls, a condition called atherosclerosis in which there is a buildup of plaque or fatty deposits. This plaque buildup can lead to a rupture followed by a blood clot. Thrombus in the coronary artery can also cause myocardial infarction leading to ischemia. The reduced oxygen supply to the heart cells can often lead to cell death or necrosis. 

Causes of Thrombosis

• Venous thrombosis can be caused by-

– Immobility

– Any injury or disease to the leg veins

– A fracture

– Being overweight or obese

– Certain medications that can increase the risk of clotting

– Genetic disorders

– Autoimmune disorders.

• Arterial Thrombosis, on the other hand, is caused by the hardening of the arteries, called arteriosclerosis. This typically occurs when fatty or calcium deposits make the artery walls thick, leading to a fatty buildup of plaque which can burst to cause a rupture, followed by a blood clot.

Generally speaking, some people are predisposed to developing thrombosis and thromboembolism (like newborn babies in the neonatal phase). At the same time, some have a higher risk of developing either venous thrombosis or arterial thrombosis. Also, the chances of development of this condition of thrombosis increase with age and depend on several risk factors and lifestyle factors like the ones discussed above and the following, 

● Heart Condition

● Lung Condition

● Crohn’s Disease (an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the lining of the digestive tract)

● Major Fractures, burns, or injuries to the deep veins in the legs, arms, or the pelvis area

● Lack of movement and physical activity due to travel without moving, medical procedures like surgery or hospitalization, or leg paralysis

● Certain medications like birth control medicines and hormonal contraceptives which contain estrogen or chemotherapy drugs

● Any autoimmune or inflammatory disorder that promotes easy blood coagulation and blood thickening

● Any inherited gene conditions like a family history of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack

● Diet

FAQs:

What is a major cause of thrombosis?

The major cause of thrombosis could be any of the following,

– immobility

– any injury or disease to the leg veins

– a fracture

– being overweight or obese

– certain medications that can increase the risk of clotting

– Genetic disorders

– Autoimmune disorders.

What are the three factors that lead to thrombosis?

Any of the following can be risk factors for thrombosis,

– high blood pressure

– high cholesterol

– diabetes.

What is the most common thrombosis?

The most common thrombosis is arterial thrombosis, which happens in arteries that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body, often considered to be one of the key reasons for heart attacks and strokes.

What are the signs of thrombosis?

The visible signs and symptoms of thrombosis are pain, swelling, and tenderness in one of the legs, which is usually the calf or thigh, a dull and heavy ache in the affected area, also flushing warm skin in the area of the clot, visibly red skin at the area below the knee and back of the leg.

Introduction

Blood vessels responsible for transporting blood throughout the body are the components of our circulatory system. Arteries, veins, and capillaries are the various blood vessels, each performing a specific function to regulate blood circulation, ensure the proper supply of oxygen and nutrients, and removal of waste from the body. Arteries supply oxygenated blood from the heart to different parts of the body, while veins return the deoxygenated blood from the rest of the body to the Heart. The capillaries act as a connection between the arteries and the veins.

Any blockage affecting the smooth blood flow in these blood vessels leads to various health problems relating to the heart, brain, and other body parts. Blood circulation disorder affecting the blood vessels and blood supply to –

• The heart is called Coronary Artery Disease
• The brain is called Cerebrovascular Disease
• The body parts other than the heart and the brain is called Peripheral Vascular Disease.

In this article, we will discuss Peripheral Vascular Disease and know the causes, symptoms, types, and treatment of the diseases.

What is Peripheral Vascular Disease?

Peripheral Vascular Disease is the condition of blockage and narrowing of the arteries and veins in the legs, arms, and body parts other than the heart and the brain. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) are often used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between the two. PAD is the narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque (i.e., fats and cholesterol) on the inner walls of the arteries that impair the blood flow from the heart to different parts of body, which remain deprived of oxygen and nutrients. While PVD refers to the blockage and narrowing of the arteries and veins in parts of the body other than the heart and the brain due to various reasons, including the accumulation of plaque. Thus, PVD is an umbrella term.

Causes of PVD

The primary cause of PVD is Atherosclerosis. The build-up of plaque, i.e., accumulation of fats and cholesterol, can be in any artery in the body. The fatty substances and cholesterol that block the arteries and thereby reduce the blood flow are known as Atheroma. The condition of this plaque formation in the arteries is called Atherosclerosis. Due to narrowing, when the arteries cannot supply enough blood to the legs, it causes pain, cramps, aches, and discomfort during physical activity, but the same subsides with rest. This condition of pain in the legs is called claudication. Atherosclerosis can happen in any body part. But it may be noted that Atherosclerosis is caused in the arteries and not in the veins.   

Besides, Atherosclerosis, the other responsible factors for PVD can be-

• Coronary Artery Disease – people with blocked arteries of the heart are at risk of developing PVD.
• Lifestyle – Lifestyle choices like smoking, sedentary living, poor eating habits, and drug use also play a significant role in developing PVD.
• Medical conditions– Medical conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and kidney disease, which may also be the reason for one developing PVD.
• Injury – Injury to the legs and arms may cause the veins to narrow or swell, impairing blood flow from the legs or arms to the heart.

Symptoms of PVD

People with PVD may not experience any symptoms in the early stages. However, the symptoms depend on the blood vessels blocked and the extent to which they are blocked. Some of the symptoms that people affected with PVD may experience are –

• Pain with physical activity, i.e., cramps, aches in the hip, buttocks, calf, and thigh which subside with rest.
• Weakness in muscles
• Shiny and smooth skin
• Swelling, sores in legs that do not heal
• Numbness and coldness in toes, feet
• Reduction of pulses in feet
• Decolouration of the skin
• Severe burning
• Loss of hair in the affected area

Types of PVD

Depending upon the nature of damage caused to the blood vessels, PVD is categorized as Occlusive and Functional.

• Occlusive PVD

When there is physical damage to the vessels, resulting in structural changes in the blood vessels, it is the case of occlusive PVD. The following are examples of occlusive PVD-

Atherosclerosis– When the walls of the arteries thicken or harden over a period due to the accumulation of plaque, obstructing the smooth flow of blood in the arteries.

Carotid Artery Disease– When the large arteries (carotid arteries) on either side of the neck carrying oxygenated blood to the brain are narrowed. It is known as Carotid Artery disease or Carotid Stenosis. 

Lymphedema– Lymphedema is a condition where the fluid in the lymphatic system builds up. The lymphatic system is the network of thin tubes and lymph nodes (small structures that filter harmful substances) running throughout the body to help eliminate body toxins and waste, fight against infection, and fuel the immune system. The body parts of the affected lymph nodes get swollen.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – The part of the Aorta (the largest artery supplying oxygen-rich blood to all the body parts) that runs through the abdomen is called the abdominal Aorta. Aneurysm refers to the outer bulging (like a balloon or a bubble) on the blood vessel. This is caused due to weakening of the artery walls. An aneurysm may occur on the abdominal Aorta, which can be life-threatening with internal bleeding if there is a rupture in the artery. 

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – DVT is when a blood clot is formed in the deep vein, often in the leg, arm, or pelvis, resulting in swelling in the veins, cramping, and redness in the affected area. If the clot breaks, its fragments can travel to any body part.

Buerger’s Disease– This is chronic inflammation in the small arteries of the extremities (the hands or the feet), causing a blood clot and blockages in the legs or arms.

Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) – PAES is a rare vascular condition where the muscles and tendons near the knee compress the popliteal artery (the main artery behind the knee), thereby restricting blood flow to the lower part of the legs. This usually is common among athletes.

A few other diseases caused due to blockage of arteries leading to the particular organ of the body are Intestinal Ischemic Syndrome which affects the gastrointestinal system, and RenalArtery Diseasecausing damage to the arteries supplying blood to kidneys .The term Ischemic refers to the lack of blood supply to a body part that deprives it of oxygen and nutrients.

• Functional PVD

When factors such as stress, cold atmosphere, smoking, or vibrating of machinery the blood vessels to widen or narrow, it is the case of Functional PVD. There is no physical damage or structural change in the blood vessels here.

Raynaud’s Disease– Exposure to cold temperature, anxiety, and emotional disturbances cause Raynaud’s disease, in which the blood flow to the fingers, toes, ears, etc., is impaired.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) – CVI is a condition when the valves of the veins do not function properly and hence cannot transport blood back to the heart. The blood flows back to the veins instead of the heart, and this causes swelling or aching in the legs or feet. Varicose veins are twisted and enlarged veins visible under the skin caused by venous insufficiency.

Treatment of PVD

PVD affects cardiovascular health, and there is a high risk of life-threatening complications of heart attack and stroke if left untreated.

Healthy living with positive lifestyle changes like adequate physical activity, a proper nourishing diet low in fats, and smoking cessation can help avoid and reduce the risks of PVD.  

Timely treatment is of utmost importance in reducing the severity of PVD. The treatment starts with your doctor recommending various tests like-

• Ankle Brachial Test, which measures the blood pressure at the ankle or the arms when the patient is at rest, or
• A treadmill test is conducted to check the pain threshold while the patient walks on the treadmill.
• Ultrasound Doppler to check the blood circulation in the arteries of the legs to ensure the presence of any blockage therein. 
• Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) tests are carried out to detect clogged/narrowed blood vessels. 
• Angiography- Angiography is conducted with the help of dyes that are injected into the arteries to detect the blockages.

Depending on the need and the severity of the condition, your doctor would suggest medications only or an interventional procedure with medications to treat PVD. 

Peripheral Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia to open the clogged artery and restore normal blood flow. A diagnostic catheter (a thin tube) is inserted through a tiny incision in the thigh. With the help of a Live X-ray, the operator can guide this catheter to the site of the blockage in the artery. A balloon is inflated inside the artery to press the plaque to the walls of the artery, making way for normal blood flow. A stent support may also be provided to the treated artery to keep it open. Once the stent is placed correctly, the incision is closed.

Conclusion

PVD is a slow and gradually increasing circulatory disorder. The symptoms are not noticeable at the early stages. However, those experiencing the symptoms must consult a doctor for timely and proper diagnosis and treatment. This is so because the major risks associated with PVD are heart attack or stroke complications which can be life-threatening as already mentioned above. In severe cases, this may also result in tissue death leading to limb amputation

Always follow a healthy lifestyle, and ensure timely and appropriate medical intervention and treatment to avoid and reduce the risks of Peripheral Vascular Diseases.

Introduction

Aortic aneurysm, as the name suggests, happens in the aorta. It is typically linked with the hardening of the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. This condition may be inherited or a result of complications due to high blood pressure or smoking. Aortic aneurysms start as small bulges which eventually grow in size as the flow of blood puts continuous pressure on the wall of the aorta, the major blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. They occur when part of a blood vessel’s wall weakens and gives way to the bulge, typically the abdominal aorta. A tear in this weakened area allows blood to escape from it. This is known as an aortic dissection. If the aneurysm occurs in the chest region it is called in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA), if it occurs in the abdominal region, it is called Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). The most common site in the abdomen is below the area where the aorta gives out branches to supply blood to kidneys, it is called an Infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. But they can also occur in the thoracic region, where there are fewer blood vessels. Aneurysm can be associated with other conditions such as Marfan syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, hypertension and trauma. It also occurs along with heart valve disease likes bicuspid aortic valve stenosis.  

What Causes Aortic Aneurysm?

A weakening of the aorta or aortic wall causes an aortic aneurysm. The most common causes are atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. This happens due to a combination of factors such as ageing, certain genetic disorders, and certain drugs. This can be present at birth or can develop as a result of disease or injury. Aortic aneurysm is not the same as aortic stenosis, which is when there is constriction of the aorta due to the narrowing of the aortic wall.

Types of Aortic Aneurysms

Aortic aneurysms are classified by their size into small, medium, and large categories. The most severe threat of an aneurysm is that it can burst and cause a stroke or massive bleeding, which in either case is life-threatening. A large aneurysm can affect blood circulation leading to blood clots.

Causes of Aortic Aneurysms

The most common causes are

Atherosclerosis- Accumulation of cholesterol in the artery can lead to degeneration of its wall on enlargement. This condition is called atherosclerosis and is the most common cause of aneurysms.

 High Blood Pressure- High Blood pressure puts stress on the wall of aorta. Over the years this stress can lead to bulging of the blood vessel which may be the leading factor for an aneurysm.

Diabetes- Uncontrolled diabetes damages blood vessels by accelerating the process of atherosclerosis, in turn leading to an aneurysm.

Injury / Trauma- An injury to the chest or abdomen can damage the area of the aorta leaving it vulnerable to bulging.

In many cases the cause of aneurysm goes unknown.

Risk Factors involved

Most aneurysms occur in people aged 55 years or older. Although thoracic aneurysms and dissections are known to occur in younger individuals also. Aneurysms are more common in men than women. High blood pressure, smoking and family history.

Symptoms

The symptoms can range from mild to severe, sometimes none at all. But some people are at higher risk of getting one, complete physical examination can help early detection of warning signs.

It’s important to see your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden and tearing pain
• Chest Pain- Often radiating to the back and shoulders.
• Back Pain – Often mistaken as spine problems.
• Abdominal Pain
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness of voice
• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Hemotemesis (Bloody Vomits)
• Lump near a blood vessel
• a new bulge in your abdomen, or
• a sudden change in your heart rate.
• Aortic regurgitation, when the regurgitation of blood from the aorta causes backflow into the chest. This symptom can be mild or severe.
• Aneurysm rupture can cause a person’s abdomen to swell causing severe abdominal pain and tenderness which is life threaten and requires immediate emergency care.

Diagnosis

Aneurysm is generally detected by an echocardiogram that can reveal the size and shape of the aorta and if an aneurysm is present. Blood tests can also show an increase in certain proteins that can be present if the aneurysm is large enough to cause blood loss. In a medical diagnosis, your doctor will ask questions on the following,

• If there is a family history of heart disease
• Complete physical examination of checking your blood pressure, feel the abdomen for a lump/mass
• If your doctor suspects an aneurysm, you will be asked to get an ultrasound / echocardiogram / chest x-ray / MR Angiography / CT / Trans esophageal  echo test depending upon the location of aneurysm.

The doctor can also recommend to get a minimally invasive test done known as angiogram.

Treatment of Severe Aortic Aneurysms

Since rupturing of aneurysm is life threatening, it is necessary to get immediate medical attention. Treatment is through medicines or surgery/intervention depending upon site, size and growth rate of aneurysm. Routine testing is recommended to ensure that the aneurysm is not growing. Surgery / Intervention is advised if the aneurysm is growing quickly to avoid a rupture and complications. Aneurysms are unlikely to rupture if they grow slowly and are less than 5.5 cm (about 2 inch) in diameter and causing no symptoms. Serial Ultrasound / CT Scan every 6-12 months to monitor the aneurysm size is the proper treatment for most people along with blood pressure control medicines.

An aneurysm larger than 5 to 5.5 cm (2 inch) requires intervention. Aneurysms that are enlarging rapidly causing symptoms or showing signs of a probable rupture (such as leaking) require immediate medical intervention. Delaying this put an individual at even greater risk of rupture and dead. Newer treatment modalities like endovascular stenting are available to treat large aneurysms using percutaneous techniques avoiding surgery. Stenting is also now providing to be useful in rupture / leaking in advanced centers

The aneurysm repair aims to strengthen the aortic wall to prevent it from weakening again. An aneurysm repair is usually done under general anesthesia.

Prognosis of Severe Aortic Aneurysms

Generally, people with small aneurysms are not expected to have problems. Most people with aortic aneurysms are expected to have a normal lifespan and not experience any problems with their aorta. However, 10% to 15% of people will have an aneurysm that is large enough to cause significant symptoms, like significant pain or severe swelling. And 1% of people will have a rupture of the aneurysm.

Conclusion

As you now know, an aortic aneurysm is a condition in which part of your aorta – the major blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to your body – becomes enlarged. Call the doctor immediately if you think you may have an aneurysm because if that ruptures, it can be life-threatening. At best, to prevent an aortic aneurysm, you can control your blood pressure, and should you have a family history of heart disease or stroke, then bring changes to improve your health and lifestyle by exercising regularly, watching what you eat, and completely stopping smoking.

FAQS

What are the early symptoms of aortic aneurysm?

Early symptoms of aortic aneurysm include a pulsating feeling in your stomach and nagging back pain.

How serious is an aortic aneurysm?

The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body which runs from the heart through the center of the chest and abdomen. Therefore, a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can be life-threatening.

Can a person survive an aortic aneurysm?

Some aortic aneurysms are hereditary or congenital, such as bicuspid aortic valve, infection, or inflammatory conditions. You can live with an aortic aneurysm. There are many ways to prevent dissection or a rupture with periodic examinations, medications, and healthy lifestyle.

What happens when you have an aortic aneurysm?

When you have an aortic aneurysm, there will be a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and tummy. This can get bigger over time and could burst (rupture), can be life-threatening.

What should you not do with an aortic aneurysm?

Your doctor will advise you to avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activities, which can increase blood pressure, putting additional pressure on your aneurysm.

Can you fully recover from an aortic aneurysm?

Typically, you will need 2 to 3 months to fully recover from an aortic aneurysm and be able to resume many of your usual activities after 4 to 6 weeks post treatment.

The Peripheral Vascular System is part of the body’s circulatory system which supplies to & receives blood from all parts of the body except Heart and Brain. The Peripheral Vascular system consists Peripheral Arteries which are responsible for oxygenated blood to get supplied from heart to all body parts, and Peripheral Veins carry deoxygenated blood from the extremities back to the heart.

What is peripheral vascular disease?

Peripheral Vascular Disease or PVD is a blood circulation disorder.

In this condition, your blood vessels narrow or get blocked or spasmed outside the heart and brain.

Peripheral vascular disease can happen in both arteries and veins throughout the body, but often affects the leg’s arteries the most causing fatigue particularly during exercise. This is called intermittent claudication.

One of the major causes of it is arteriosclerosis which is Plaque building up in a vessel and limiting blood flow and oxygen. As plaque build up progresses, it can reduce or completely block the blood flow in that artery leading to organ damage, loss of fingers, toes, etc.

This condition is different from Coronary Artery Disease and Cerebrovascular disease; these are when the narrowing happens in the heart or the brain respectively.

The Types of PVD

There are two types of Peripheral vascular disease: Functional and Organic

Functional PVD

Vessels widen and narrow in response to brain signals, temperatures changes, etc causing a decrease in the blood flow when vessels are narrowing.

 There is no physical damage to your blood vessels’ structure in functional PVD

The common causes of Functional PVD are emotional distress, colder temperatures, operating vibrating machinery or tools, drugs.

Organic PVD

This is caused due to Physical damage like plaque Built up, inflammation and more. There is damage to the physical blood vessels’ structure. The primary causes of Organic PVD are diabetes, high cholesterol levels, smoking and high blood pressure.

Risk factors

Some lifestyle factors majorly affect your body, hence putting you at a higher risk for PVD. For instance,

• Overweight,
• Age above 50,
• History of stroke or cerebrovascular disease,
• Abnormal cholesterol levels,
• Family history of
  • High cholesterol
  • Heart disease,
  • Blood pressure
  • PVD
  • Kidney disease on hemodialysis.

Symptoms of Peripheral vascular disease

For majority, the first sign of PVD is fatigue and discomfort in your legs and feet, which gradually gets worse due to physical activity and lack of blood flow. This sign is rather slow and irregular but persistent.

The major symptom is Claudication. Claudication is lower limb muscle pain experienced while walking. You may notice the pain increasing when you walk long distances or faster and the pain subsides after some rest, but when the pain returns it takes some time to recede.

Other than the pain, some other symptoms also include

• Reduced hair growth in the legs,
• Cramps while lying in bed,
• Arms or legs turning reddish-blue or even page,
• Legs feeling thin,
• Paler skin,
• Weak pulses,
• Wounds or ulcers that don’t heal,
• Thick opaque toenails, and
• Numbness and heaviness in the muscles.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, do visit a doctor for a further look. More often than not these symptoms are disregarded as a sign of old age, but delayed diagnosis can lead to complications.

In extreme cases of blood loss, dead tissue can occur. If you suddenly develop a pale, cold limb with weak to no pulse, this is a medical emergency and you require treatment as soon as possible. Untreated limbs as such can lead to amputation.

Treatments for PVD

The treatments for PVD are directed to lower your risk of serious complications and manage your pain and symptoms helping you remain active.

 Major lifestyle modifications  – Initially treatment.

• Regular balanced diet,
• Exercise daily
• Losing some weight.
• Discontinuing Smoking as it directly causes the reduced blood flow in the vessels, and increases your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Medication

Prescribed by your doctor in order to treat the symptoms.

For instance, medications could be suggested to

• Increase blood flow and relieve symptoms of leg pain
• Reduced blood clotting,
• Lowering high levels of cholesterol and for diabetes may be prescribed

Angioplasty or Vascular surgery

Intervention recommended in cases major artery blockages are diagnosed.

• Angioplasty is when your doctor inserts a catheter into the artery and a balloon is inflated and open into the artery. In some other cases, a stent is used to keep the artery open.
•  Vascular surgery, on the other hand, allows the blood to pass the narrow arteries through vein grafting.

If PVD is diagnosed in time, many cases will respond to lifestyle treatments. The best way to examine whether improvement has taken place is to see how far you can walk without pain.

Conclusion

 It is imperative to contact your doctor for a clear diagnosis if your legs look pale or blue to you if your legs become cold or you experience chest pain along with leg pain if you find new sores or ulcers have developed but they don’t heal, fever or any other sign of infections.