Get a Leg Up on Peripheral Vascular Disease

Do you experience cramps or numbness in your legs while walking? Don’t ignore these symptoms. They could signal peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a serious health problem. The good news that self-care and simple treatments for PVD could save your life.

"PVD is atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood throughout the body," explains Randy Shafritz, M.D., a vascular surgeon at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "PVD occurring in the arms and legs can be a marker of further disease and a warning sign for heart attack and stroke."

Know The Warning Signs
The most common symptom of PVD is aching or cramping pain in the calves or one or both legs while walking. This pain usually disappears after a brief rest period. Other possible symptoms of PVD include the following:

• Feelings of weakness, numbness, or heaviness in the legs
• Skin color changes, especially in the legs or arms
• Leg or foot sores that take a long time to heal
• Pain in feet, awakening you from sleep

Unfortunately, some people with PVD experience no symptoms at all. A doctor can easily diagnose this condition by taking blood pressures in your arm and ankle.

Who is at Risk?
While PVD can strike at any age, the typical sufferer is older than age 50. Besides age, other risk factors include:

• smoking
• diabetes
• a family history of cardiovascular diseases
• high cholesterol
• obesity
• high blood pressure
• physical inactivity

"If you fall into one of the high risk groups and are feeling any of these symptoms, you should see your physician," Dr. Shafritz suggests.

Self-Care and Treatment Options
Fortunately, healthy habits can help PVD sufferers lower their threat of death and disability. Experts recommend these tactics:

• Exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate fitness routine.
• Don’t smoke.
• Lose weight, if necessary.
• If you suffer from high cholesterol, diabetes, or hypertension, be sure to keep these conditions in check.

Dr. Shafritz also points out, "There are many treatment options for PVD, including changes in lifestyle and certain medications. In addition to medical treatments, some patients may require surgery to treat their cardiovascular disease. When appropriate, patients may be candidates for interventional procedures that are minimally invasive and carry less risk than surgery."