Peripheral Vascular Disease Specialist

What is peripheral vascular disease?

Peripheral vascular disease is a circulation problem that involves your peripheral blood vessels, which include the arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels outside your heart.

There are two types of peripheral vascular disease:

Peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease involves the arteries that provide oxygen-rich blood to your extremities. Changes in circulation through these arteries most often occur from a build-up of plaque along the blood vessel walls.

Peripheral venous disease

Peripheral venous disease affects the veins that return the blood to your heart for reoxygenation. The change in circulation occurs from damage to the walls or valves in these veins. 

What are the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease?

Most people with peripheral vascular disease have no symptoms, which may delay a diagnosis. However, most symptoms of the circulation problem affect the legs and may include:

• Leg pain when walking that improves when resting (claudication)
• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• Burning or numbing sensation in the legs
• Change in leg skin color 
• A slowdown in leg hair or toenail growth
• Varicose veins
• Spider veins
• Non-healing leg wounds
• Erectile dysfunction in men 

If you experience these symptoms, contact the Pinnacle Healthcare System’s cardiology team to schedule an evaluation. 

How is peripheral vascular disease diagnosed?

The skilled cardiologists at Pinnacle Healthcare System conduct an in-depth clinical exam to diagnose peripheral vascular disease.

During your evaluation, your provider reviews your symptoms, medical and family history, and performs a physical exam. To confirm or rule a diagnosis, your provider performs various diagnostic tests, such as an angiogram, ankle-brachial index (ABI), or vascular ultrasounds. 

How is peripheral vascular disease treated?

The team at Pinnacle Healthcare System develops individual treatment plans for peripheral vascular disease.

They focus on providing treatments that alleviate your symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease. Your treatment plan may include:

• Diet modification
• Exercise program
• Smoking cessation
• Disease-specific medication
• Medications to improve blood flow

Depending on the severity of your circulation problem, the team may also recommend various procedures to improve blood flow. 

For peripheral artery disease, the team may recommend angioplasty and stent placement. They may suggest treatments to remove your varicose veins for peripheral venous diseases, such as endovenous laser surgery or sclerotherapy.

Call Pinnacle Healthcare System or book an appointment online today to schedule your peripheral vascular disease evaluation.