$Unique_ID{BRK00427}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{A Run Down of Peripheral Vascular Disease}
$Subject{peripheral vascular disease}
$Volume{G-4}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


A Run Down of Peripheral Vascular Disease


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QUESTION:  It is just another case of simply not understanding what my doctor
tried so hard to describe while I was in his office, but I felt good that I
could turn to you for more answers and explanations.  Therefore, would you
please give me a run down of a condition called Peripheral Vascular Disease.
All I am sure of is that it effects my arteries.

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ANSWER:  Here is a case where the name of the condition does a fair job of
describing its nature.  The word "peripheral" applies to the "outer" portions
of our bodies, thus the arms and legs.  Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
encompasses a number of long term or chronic diseases of the arms or legs,
that arise from the fact that the arteries which bring blood to these areas,
have become narrowed, due to disease, and fail to provide sufficient blood
supply.  The most common cause of this narrowing is arteriosclerosis, which
accounts for almost 95% of all cases.  Older people are the most common
victims as PVD usually strikes after the age of 50, and men are the sufferers
6 to 7 times more frequently than women.  A high number of PVD patients are
smokers (almost 90%) and about 25% of all patients have diabetes.  But our old
enemies, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high weight, do their
share of the damage as well, causing arteriosclerosis, not only in the
peripheral arteries, but the vessels in the brain and heart as well.  The most
common symptom of PVD is pain on effort, that grabs at the calves of the legs
after a short stroll, but that eases up when the effort is stopped.  Arms and
legs feel cold, wounds take longer to heal, and gangrene may develop in the
final stages of the disease.  While the physician may prescribe medications to
help the blood circulate, and reduce cholesterol, there is much you must do
for yourself.  Smoking must go, absolutely, and a regular walking program
should be developed and carried out regularly.  Good foot hygiene is a must;
clean socks, and comfortable shoes, and attention to toe nails, corns and
calluses.  Surgical procedures do exists to widen the arteries, or replace
those that are totally blocked, but you have a 75% chance of bringing the
condition under control by following the advice offered by good medical care.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
