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PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE (PVD)

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In peripheral vascular disease (PVD), blood vessels become narrowed and blood flow decreases. This can be due to arteriosclerosis, or “hardening of the arteries,” or it can be caused by blood vessel spasms. In arteriosclerosis, plaques build up in a vessel and limit the flow of blood and oxygen to your organs and limbs.​

 

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) develops only in the arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.

PAD is the most common form of PVD, so the terms are often used to mean the same condition.

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For many people, the first signs of PVD begin slowly and irregularly. You may feel discomfort like fatigue and cramping in your legs and feet that gets worse with physical activity due to the lack of blood flow.

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As your PVD progresses, symptoms will occur more frequently and get worse. Eventually, you may even experience pain and fatigue during rest. Ask your doctor about treatments to help improve blood flow and decrease pain.

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