Understanding Peripheral Vascular Disease

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Overview and Types of Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) impacts the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain, often involving narrow, blocked, or spasmodic arteries. The main cause is attributed to a buildup of fatty deposits in the vessels, leading to reduced blood flow. Although PVD predominantly affects the legs, it can also impact arteries that carry blood to the head, arms, kidneys, and stomach.

There are two primary types of PVD:

Functional Peripheral Vascular Diseases Functional PVDs are characterized by the absence of physical blockages, resulting instead from natural responses to stress or cold. Symptoms may include temporary pain or changes in skin color, with no long-term tissue damage. An example is Raynaud's disease, where small arteries supplying blood to the skin constrict excessively in response to cold or emotional stress.
Organic Peripheral Vascular Diseases Organic PVDs involve structural changes in the blood vessels, such as inflammation and tissue damage. Atherosclerosis is a prevalent form, where artery walls thicken due to plaque accumulation, leading to narrowed passageways for blood. This type is associated with more persistent symptoms, such as leg pain when walking (claudication), numbness, weakness, or heaviness in muscles.

Differentiating between the categories of peripheral vascular disease is crucial for understanding the variations in disease manifestation and progression.