is there a doctor here can you tell me what is a peripheral vascular disease?

Question

can anyone answer this question

Answer 1

Peripheral vascular disease is so called to distinguish it from cerebro-vascular disease, affecting the blood vessels of the brain, and cardio-vascular disease, affecting the blood vessels of the heart. It refers to disease affecting the peripheral vessels, which is pretty much the rest. It mainly involves the vessels of the lower limbs however.

The 'vascular disease' itself is really the same condition, wherever it occurs, though the site determines the symptoms. In each case cholesterol has deposited inside the artery causing it to narrow. The blood flow is reduced, and this causes problems, especially in times of extra demand. It also increases the risk of total blockage.

If it is affecting the heart, when extra demand cannot be met, for example during excercise, the heart doesn't get enough blood and therefore enough oxygen and angina results, chest pain. If the vessel blocks you have a heart attack.

If it is affecting the brain areas of brain become gradually damaged by lack of blood/oxygen. It it blocks a stroke results.

If it affects the legs, on exertion the muscles don't get enough blood/oxygen and there is muscle pain in the legs, it is called claudication. If vessels block here gangrene may result.

Generally patients with vascular disease in one area which causes symptoms, also have some disease in all the other areas.

Answer 2

It is a diseases of blood vessels outside the heart and brain. It's often a narrowing of vessels that carry blood to the legs, arms, stomach or kidneys. There are two types of these circulation disorders:

* Functional peripheral vascular diseases don't have an organic cause. They don't involve defects in blood vessels' structure. They're usually short-term effects related to "spasm" that may come and go. Raynaud's disease is an example. It can be triggered by cold temperatures, emotional stress, working with vibrating machinery or smoking.

* Organic peripheral vascular diseases are caused by structural changes in the blood vessels, such as inflammation and tissue damage. Peripheral artery disease is an example. It's caused by fatty buildups in arteries that block normal blood flow.

Answer 3

Yes, i do actually suffer with it apart from other debillitating illnesses.

In laymens terms, plain simple english ( although i am a retired doctor) , it is a hardening and slowly closing of the arteries !