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Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Topic Guide

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD):

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD or peripheral artery disease) refers to any disease or disorder of the circulatory system outside of the brain and heart. Common causes of peripheral vascular disease include blood clots, diabetes, inflammation of the arteries, infection, structural defects, and injury. Symptoms of peripheral artery disease include

  • buttock pain,
  • numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs,
  • burning or aching pain in the feet or toes while resting,
  • a sore on a leg or a foot that will not heal,
  • one or both legs or feet feel cold or change color (pale, bluish, dark reddish),
  • loss of hair on the legs, and
  • impotence.

Tests are used to diagnose peripheral vascular disease. Treatment guidelines include medication, lifestyle changes, and if necessary, surgical intervention.

Read the Peripheral Vascular Disease Main Article
Doctor's Notes on Peripheral Vascular Disease Symptoms

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Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Topic Guide - Visuals

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Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins

Medications:

cilostazol Cilostazol

Cilostazol is a vasodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels to help them dilate (widen). Cilostazol dilates arteries that supply bl...learn more »

clopidogrel Clopidogrel

Clopidogrel is used to lower your risk of having a stroke, blood clot, or serious heart problem after you've had a heart attack, severe chest pain (angina), ...learn more »

ticlopidine (oral) Ticlopidine (oral)

Ticlopidine helps to prevent platelets in your blood from sticking together and forming a blood clot. An unwanted blood clot can occur with certain heart or...learn more »

pentoxifylline Pentoxifylline

Pentoxifylline causes changes in your blood that help improve blood flow. This also helps your blood carry oxygen to your tissues and organs...learn more »

warfarin Warfarin

Warfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Warfarin reduces the formation of blood clots...learn more »