What is peripheral vascular disease?
Peripheral vascular diseases affect the vessels outside the heart and brain. The most common is narrowing or blockage of the leg arteries due to fatty plaque in the artery wall (atherosclerosis): peripheral arterial disease.
The narrowing reduces blood flow to the muscles and can cause leg pain, especially when walking.
Symptoms
- Pain in the calf, thigh or hip when walking that eases with rest (claudication)
- Coldness or numbness in the leg and foot
- Colour changes in the foot
- Weak foot pulses
- In later stages, pain at rest and non-healing wounds
Causes and risk factors
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Increasing age
- Family history of vascular disease
How is it diagnosed?
Pulses are checked at the examination. The ankle-brachial index, colour Doppler ultrasound and, when needed, CT or MR angiography show where the narrowing is and how severe it is.
Treatment approach
Treatment is based on controlling risk factors (stopping smoking, managing blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol), regular walking and medication. Depending on symptoms and the degree of narrowing, interventional methods such as balloon angioplasty and stents, or bypass surgery, may be considered.
When to see a doctor
An assessment is advised for recurring leg pain when walking, coldness in the foot or non-healing wounds. Sudden severe leg pain, coldness and paleness need emergency assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is leg pain when walking always vascular?
No. Back, joint and muscle problems can cause similar pain. An examination and tests are used to tell them apart.
Does stopping smoking make a difference?
Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for peripheral arterial disease; stopping is a core part of treatment.
Is peripheral arterial disease the same as varicose veins?
No. Peripheral arterial disease affects the arteries, varicose veins affect the veins; symptoms and treatments differ.
