How to Prevent Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a type of circulatory disorder that affects blood vessels in areas other than the heart or brain. Blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs are most commonly affected. Blood vessels in the arms, kidneys, and stomach are also commonly affected. PVD is sometimes called peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

There are two types of PVD:

• Organic PVD. This is the more common type. It is caused by damage to the structure of blood vessels. This can result when fat, cholesterol, and other substances (plaque) build up in the blood and narrow the arteries that carry blood to other areas of the body (atherosclerosis).
• Functional PVD. This is caused by conditions that make blood vessels tighten (spasm).

How does peripheral vascular disease affect me?

PVD affects the way blood reaches your body. It can cause:

• Poor blood flow to the legs or other areas of the body.
• Pain and increased risk of infection in areas of the body with poor blood flow.
• Tissue death in areas with poor blood flow (gangrene). Surgery to remove these areas of dead tissue (amputation) may be necessary.

PVD also increases your risk of serious health problems, including:

• Stroke.
• A “warning stroke” that causes stroke-like symptoms (transient ischemic attack or TIA).
• Heart disease.
• Heart attack.

What steps can I take to prevent peripheral vascular disease?

Your daily lifestyle habits can affect your risk of PVD. To lower your risk:

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Get regular exercise as directed by your health care provider.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet. Choose low-fat, low-sodium foods, and eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

It is also important to manage any long-term (chronic) health conditions you have that can increase your risk of PVD. These include:

• Diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar all at the same time (metabolic syndrome).

If you already have PVD, healthy lifestyle habits and managing chronic conditions can help prevent serious complications. If you have PVD, it is also important to take good care of your feet:

• Make sure your shoes fit properly and provide good support.
• Check your feet every day for wounds and signs of infection. Watch for redness and swelling.
• Keep your feet clean.
• To treat corns, calluses, and bunions, visit a health care provider who specializes in foot care (podiatrist).

What can happen if changes are not made?

If you do not take steps to prevent PVD, you may develop PVD or serious complications of PVD. Blocked blood vessels or deformities can prevent blood from reaching other areas of your body.

Where to find more information

Learn more about PVD from:

• Society for Vascular Surgery: vascular.org  
• American Heart Association: www.heart.org  
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: www.nhlbi.nih.gov  

Contact a health care provider if you have:

• New pain in your legs, arms, or other areas of your body.
• Signs of infection, such as redness or swelling.
• A sore on your leg or foot that is not healing.
• Chest pain.
• Trouble talking or moving one side of your body.

Summary

• PVD is a long-term (chronic) condition that affects blood vessels.
• PVD can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• You can take steps to prevent PVD from getting worse and causing serious health problems.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices, like eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly.
• Watch for signs of skin infection, heart attack, and stroke.