Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) affects approximately 5 to 10 percent of adults over the age of 50. Unfortunately, it is often under-diagnosed and under-treated. Recent innovations in endovascular therapy provide patients with a variety of options to treat PVD. The vascular specialists at The Nebraska Medical Center are trained in the latest minimally invasive and open surgical techniques to provide patients with the fullest range of options.

What is Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)?

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a slow and progressive disorder, which can affect any of the vessels of the body outside of the heart. This includes the vessels of the arms, legs and brain, as well as the vessels that supply blood to the abdominal organs. The legs and feet are most commonly affected, thus the name “peripheral” vascular disease.

Conditions associated with PVD affecting the veins include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) varicose veins, and chronic venous insufficiency.

When PVD occurs in the arteries outside the heart, it may be referred to as “peripheral arterial disease” (PAD). PAD and PVD are often used interchangeably. People with PAD frequently have coronary artery (arteries that supply the heart) disease, because atherosclerosis (the build-up of plaque inside the arteries) can occur in any artery of the body.

PAD is often characterized by a narrowing of the vessels that carry blood to the leg and arm muscles. The most common cause is atherosclerosis. Plaque reduces the amount of blood flow which decreases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and tissues of the limb. Clots can also form within an artery, decreasing or blocking off blood flow.

Other causes of PVD may include irregular anatomy of muscles or ligaments, trauma to the arms or legs, or infection. Patients with coronary artery disease may also have PVD.