Treatment for Peripheral Vascular Disease

According to American Diabetes Association, about 1 in 3 people with diabetes are at high risk of heart attack and stroke. In people with diabetes, the risk of Peripheral Vascular Disease is increased with age, duration of diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy.

Other risk factors for Peripheral Vascular Disease are:

• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking
• Hypertension
• High LDL
• Stroke
• Previous history of coronary heart disease

Peripheral Vascular Disease is associated with an increased risk of lower extremity amputation, risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death. Also, it causes long-term disability in diabetic patients.

The most common symptom of Peripheral Vascular Disease is painful cramps in the legs brought about by walking (usually relieved by rest) as a result of an inadequate blood supply. As the blockage in the artery increases pain may be experienced by walking for a very short distance thereby interfering in daily life. Along with the pain, the minor cuts or abrasions on feet do not heel.

Eventually, this can become a serious problem as the minor nonhealing cuts may turn into foot ulcers and gangrene may require amputation.

Possible risk factors for Peripheral Vascular Disease include high levels of C reactive protein, fibrinogen, homocysteine, apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein (a), and plasma viscosity.

Peripheral Vascular Disease is managed through medicines and lifestyle transformation. Amputation may be required to prevent the infection from spreading elsewhere.

Certain steps for prevention of Peripheral Vascular Disease;

• Stop smoking immediately as smoking narrows the arteries, decreasing blood circulation.
• Maintain blood sugars, blood pressure, and lipids in normal range always
• Maintain healthy body weight and composition.

Diagnosis of Peripheral Vascular Disease;

The ankle-brachial index is used to diagnose Peripheral Vascular Disease. This index involves a comparison of blood pressure in the arms to blood pressure of the ankle.  Peripheral Vascular Disease has confirmed if blood pressure in the ankle is lower than that in the arm. Other diagnostic measures include magnetic resonance angiography or a Doppler ultrasound.