The Signs and Symptoms of Peripherical Vascular Disease

Peripherical Vascular Disease (PVD) is an umbrella term for the many diseases which affect the blood vessels in the body outside the heart. It affects the veins which flow blood to the heart and the arteries which send blood out of the heart and around the body.

The signs and symptoms can vary depending on the particular aspect of the PVD, detailed below are the most common.

Vein Diseases

The most widely reported sign of vein disease is the appearance of h3 veins. h3 veins are caused by a blockage or restriction in the blood flow. They have an obvious appearance on the skin’s surface and are usually blue or dark purple in color. They most frequently occur on the inside of the leg or back of calf and have a twisted or bulging appearance.

While h3 veins are not especially dangerous by themselves, they are an indication of an underlying problem which left untreated could progress to being extremely serious.

When chronic vein diseases develop, the veins have increasing problems sending sufficient blood back through to the heart, this causes blood to pool in the lower limbs and a number of symptoms are produced. These include;

• Itching or burning sensations in the leg
• Swelling of the ankles, feet and legs
• Pain, cramping or fatigue of the legs. This is can be relieved by raising the legs and is usually more obvious when standing
• Developing a different texture in the skin, sometimes thickening or a scaly or itchy rash
• Ulcers developing which are slow to heal or prone to not healing at all on the lower limbs
• In severe cases the skin of the legs develops an obviously darker tone.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

The early signs of peripheral arterial disease of PAD can be more extensive. This is because different problems or symptoms will be exhibited according to where the blockage or blood flow restriction has occurred. For example a blockage in the brain may cause a lack of blood flow and a stroke. This can show symptoms such as weakness or numbness down one side of the body, difficulties in speaking, difficulties with coordination, problems with vision or a sudden and severe headache with no apparent cause.  It is also important to seek professional medical advice if you notice the following;

• A bluish color tone in the skin
• One leg feeling noticeably colder than the other
• Weakened pulses in the leg or foot
• Restricted toe nail growth and a decrease in leg hair growth
• Forms of erectile dysfunction especially in diabetes sufferers
• You should also be aware that any chest pains or discomfort, nausea or dizziness can also be common symptoms of PVD.

There are a variety of treatments available for the different aspects of PDV, but early diagnosis is imperative. If you are worried you may be experiencing symptoms of PDV, it is important to seek professional medical advice.

If you are interested in learning more or have any questions or queries regarding your own personal circumstances, then please contact us. Our staff in our St. Louis offices would be happy to be of assistance.