Leg pain while walking? Don’t blame it on ageing: These warning signs could point to blocked arteries and raise your risk of heart attack and stroke, cardiologist explains
What is peripheral vascular disease or PVD?
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) or Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a frequent condition that occurs in the blood vessels outside the heart and brain, particularly those that carry blood to the legs and feet. It is the narrowing or blockage of these arteries because of the accumulation of fatty deposits that cause a decrease in blood flow to other parts of the body.
The initial symptoms of PVD are often overlooked as being a normal part of the ageing process or as being tired. But failing to respond to these symptoms can result in complications. If the symptoms are recognized and treated early, the damage can be avoided and quality of life enhanced.
What are some signs or symptoms of peripheral vascular disease?
The most common symptom of PVD is pain and/or cramping in the legs during walking, climbing stairs, and/or exercise. Rest will generally relieve this pain, and it can recur with renewed physical activity.
Other symptoms can include:
Weakness or numbness in the legs.
One foot or leg that is colder than the other
Slow healing wounds or sores on the feet and toes.
Pale/blue skin colour
Skin that shines and hair loss on the legs
Lack of pulses in feet or strong pulses that disappear after a short time
Rest pain and pain in the legs in late-stage disease
Regular health checks are important for some people as they may not have any obvious signs or symptoms, particularly for people who are at higher risk.
Who is at risk?
There are several factors that can make it more likely that you will get Peripheral Vascular Disease. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors as it damages blood vessels and accelerates artery blockage. They are also at higher risk if they have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity or heart disease.
There are also other factors of importance, such as age. Most people tend to be at greater risk after age 50, particularly those with several health problems. If PVD runs in the family, there is an increased likelihood of developing PVD.
This can be greatly minimized with a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and management of medical conditions.
What are the symptoms of PVD and how is it treated?
Early diagnosis is important in preventing complications. A physical exam and a review of symptoms is typically performed first. Further tests like Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) angiography or other tests of blood vessels may be ordered to evaluate blood flow and determine if there are any blockages.
Treatment will vary with the severity of the condition. Lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of management in many instances. Smoking cessation, a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise and managing blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol are steps that can help slow the progression of disease.
Medications can be used to increase blood flow, to prevent formation of blood clots, and to treat underlying conditions. If there is severe artery blockage, patients may need minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty and stenting to get blood flowing again. If it is more severe, surgery might be recommended.
The importance of early action
Peripheral Vascular Disease is more than just leg pain. It can indicate general artery disease and increases the risk of a stroke or heart attack. The positive side to this is that symptoms can be managed and mobility improved, and the chances of complications occurring are reduced with early diagnosis and treatment.
Seek a vascular specialist if you have ongoing pain in your legs when walking, wounds that won't heal or any abnormal changes in your legs or feet. Early intervention can not only safeguard your body's limbs, it can also help to maintain your heart health.