Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), also called peripheral artery disease (PAD), is a condition in which there is insufficient blood flow through the arteries to the arms or legs, causing pain, cramping or heaviness in the muscles (called intermittent claudication). Causes of PVD and PAD include atherosclerosis, scar tissue and blood clots. In patients with PVC or PAD, angioplasty or stent may be used to open up a blocked artery.

Arterial disease in the arteries that carry blood to the arms and legs, the brain, the kidneys, or down through the torso is described according to the areas of the body it affects:

• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Carotid Artery Disease
• Renal Artery Disease
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

A build-up of plaque in the arteries delivering blood to the extremities (legs, feet, arms and hands) is the form of vascular disease most likely to produce noticeable symptoms. These include:

• Pain or discomfort in hips, thighs, or calf muscle when walking (called claudication)
• Changes in skin color (pale, bluish, or reddish discoloration) or changes in skin temperature (coolness)
• Infections or sores that do not heal or take too long to heal
• Buttock pain
• Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, or toes
• Impotence

These forms of arterial disease often do not have obvious signs or symptoms until they reach a very serious or life-threatening stage. Bypass surgery used to be the only treatment option.