PVD - Peripheral Vascular Disease

     

    The term peripheral vascular disease is commonly referred to as a collection of diseases of the circulatory system, any disorder that affects blood vessels.

    PVD Symptoms


    Have you experienced any of these?

     

    While some patients with PVD have very few symptoms, others may experience one or more symptoms depending on the disease progression.1  These symptoms can include: spider, reticular, or varicose veins, swelling, skin changes, tired heavy legs, pain with exercise, pain at rest or non-healing wounds.

     

    Consult your doctor right away if you have signs of PVD.

    Symptoms of PVD

    Progression symptoms bar severe, symptom progression, and mild

    PVD Categories & Conditions

     

    Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a complex disease which affects the anatomy and physiology of the legs. During diagnosis, a physician will try to assess the cause and extent of damage to the peripheral system. Conditions may occur singularly or in a combination.

     

    • Anatomical Changes – Effects to structures of the body: artery damage, vein damage, valve insufficiency
    • Physiological Changes – Effects on how the body works: healing issues, drainage issues, blood flow issues, clotting of the blood

    Common PVD Conditions8

     

    Learn more about the most common PVD conditions which vary in progression, symptoms, diagnostics and treatment. Find out when to call a doctor and how patients are living with PVD today.

    Artery Disease

    Clogged artery icon

    PAD Peripheral Artery Disease
     
    PAD is a condition when plaque build-up causes a narrowing of the blood vessels thus reducing flow to the limbs, also called atherosclerosis.7

    Ankle with critical limb ischemia icon

    CLI Critical Limb Ischemia
     
    CLI is the advanced stages of PAD. Significant blockages occur in the arteries reducing blood flow to the legs and feet resulting in wounds that can lead to amputation.9

    Clotting Disorders

    Veins with deep vein thrombosis icon

    DVT Deep Vein Thrombosis
     
    DVT is a serious, but preventable condition that occurs when a blood clot forms deep inside the veins.

    Venous Disease

    Veins with deep venous insufficiency icon

    DVI
    Deep Venous Insufficiency
     
    When veins have difficulty returning blood to the heart and become incompetent.

    Main artery venous obstruction icon

    DVO Deep Venous Obstruction
     
    DVO is a condition when the veins become obstructed or compressed thus restricting flow to the legs and feet.

    Veins with venous insufficiency flow icon

    SVI Superficial Venous Insufficiency
     
    SVI is a condition when the veins become weak, large, and twisted due to valve damage and fluid overload.

    Lymphedema

    Lymphedema is a condition that affects the lymphatic vessels.

    This results in swelling as fluid pools in the legs and feet. CVI diminishes the capacity of the venous system and it increases the workload for the lymphatic system in the affected area.10

    PVD & Me: Patient Stories

     

    Read the inspiring stories of real patients with various conditions of PVD. Learn about their diagnosis, treatment and journey to regaining their quality of life.

    PAD Stories

    DVD Stories

    Melanie's icon

    Patients with deep venous disease (DVD) often go through years of suffering with worsening symptoms and other underlying conditions. Learn about Melanie’s path to uncovering an underlying condition and her road back to restore her health.

    DVT Stories

    Reid's icon

    Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can strike quickly with little notice. Learn more about Reid’s condition and his road to recovery.

    CLI Stories

    Mark's icon

    Early intervention can be key for critical limb ischemia (CLI). Learn about Mark’s struggles and triumph to overcome CLI.

    Helpful Resources

    Checklist icon

    PVD Doctor
    Discussion Guide

     

    Get helpful tips and advice on how to talk to your doctor about a PVD screening.

    Third-Party Resources

    Apps


    CardioVisual

    A mobile app built by cardiologists, to simplify understanding of most cardiac and peripheral vascular conditions and treatments.

    Find a Doctor that Treats PVD

     

    Consult your doctor to learn more about PVD and how to maintain your health. You can also use our Doctor Finder tool below to find a specialist near you.

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    This tool is not inclusive of all specialists. Consult with your insurance provider to find specialists that are covered within your network.

    Are You a Healthcare Professional?

     

    Find out how to register your practice with us.

    1. “Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Fact Sheet.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 16, 2016

    2. “Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 13, 2015

    3. Teraa et al. “Critical Limb Ischemia: Current Trends and Future Directions.” J. American Heart Association. Feb. 23, 2016

    4. “Facts about Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).” National Institutes of Health.  Publication No. 06-5837, August 2006.

    5. D Carradice. “Superficial venous insufficiency from the infernal to the endothermic.” Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2014 Jan; 96(1): 5–10.

    6. “Chronic Venous Insufficiency.” Cleveland Clinic. 12/15.

    7. “Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).” Mayo Clinic. Aug. 12, 2017

    8. “Understand Your Risk for PAD.” American Heart Association, n.d.

    9. “Peripheral Vascular Disease(PVD).” Stanford Health Care (SHC) – Stanford Medical Center. 13 July 2016

    10. Melissa Conrad Stöppler. “Lymphedema.” MedicineNet.com. n.d.

    11.   Yost M. Critical Limb Ischemia Volume I, United States Epidemiology, Supplement 2016. Atlanta, GA: The Sage Group; 2016.HCUP Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; 2009

    12. “Reducing Amputation Rates in Critical Limb Ischemia Patients Via a Limb Salvage Program: A Retrospective Analysis” Vascular Disease Management, May 2016.

     

    Disclaimer

     

    The opinions and clinical experiences presented herein are for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors. Dr. Raghu Kolluri has been compensated by Philips for his services in preparing and providing this material for Philips further use and distribution.

     

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