Definition

Peripheral vascular disease is a narrowing of blood
vessels that restricts blood flow. It mostly occurs in the
legs, but is sometimes seen in the arms.

Description

Peripheral vascular disease includes a group of diseases
in which blood vessels become restricted or
blocked. Typically, the patient has peripheral vascular
disease from atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease
in which fatty plaques form in the inside walls of
blood vessels. Other processes, such as blood clots, further
restrict blood flow in the blood vessels. Both veins
and arteries may be affected, but the disease is usually
arterial. All the symptoms and consequences of peripheral
vascular disease are related to restricted blood flow.
Peripheral vascular disease is a progressive disease that
can lead to gangrene of the affected area. Peripheral vascular
disease may also occur suddenly if an embolism
occurs or when a blot clot rapidly develops in a blood
vessel already restricted by an atherosclerotic plaque,
and the blood flow is quickly cut off.

Causes and symptoms

There are many causes of peripheral vascular disease.
One major risk factor is smoking cigarettes. Other
diseases predispose patients to develop peripheral vascular
disease. These include diabetes, Buerger