Blood flow4/29/2023 ![]() Angioplasty is usually considered as a temporary measure. This widens the blood vessel and improves blood flow. Once the catheter reaches the narrowed or blocked site, the small balloon on its tip is inflated. Angioplasty – this procedure, usually performed under sedation and local anaesthetic, involves threading a thin tube (catheter) into the narrowed blood vessel through a small incision, usually in the leg.Drugs to treat blood clots – treatment may include various medications (including anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs) to prevent blood clots from developing and medications (including thrombolytics) that dissolve existing blood clots.Medications – to help treat atherosclerosis, such as statins to lower LDL cholesterol and antihypertensive drugs to lower blood pressure.Angiography, the injection of a contrast dye into the blood vessel that shows up on x-ray examination – this test is less common now that advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI, are available.Scans such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to locate narrowed sections of blood vessels.Exercise test, usually performed on a treadmill while blood pressure is taken to check for a drop in blood pressure within the affected body part.Ankle/brachial index (ABI) test, which compares the blood pressure readings of the arms and legs to check for differences.Pulse check, using a stethoscope to listen for signs of reduced blood flow through a blood vessel.High blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia).ĭiagnosis of peripheral vascular disease may include:.Medical history of stroke, cardiovascular disease or heart attack.Family history of peripheral vascular disease, stroke or coronary artery disease.Diabetes – this is the most significant risk factor.Risk factors for peripheral vascular disease include: Risk factors of peripheral vascular disease Blood vessel spasms – conditions such as Raynaud’s disease may cause narrowing of blood vessels in response to certain factors, including cold temperatures or stress.Blood vessel defects – blood vessels may be unusually narrow at birth.Some autoimmune diseases can cause arteritis. Syphilis or salmonellosis, for example, can lead to peripheral vascular disease. Infection – can cause scarring and narrowing of the blood vessels.Obstruction – a blood clot (thrombus) may lodge within the blood vessel.Diabetes – high blood sugar damages and weakens blood vessels, causing them to narrow.Commonly this occurs in the body where a blood vessel kinks or subdivides.Īpart from fatty deposits, other causes of peripheral vascular disease include: In most cases the cause is atherosclerosis, the build-up of fatty deposits within the blood vessel that reduces blood flow to the area. ![]() The only treatment is surgical amputation of the affected body part. Gangrene is the death and decay of tissue. A narrowed or blocked blood vessel deprives tissues of blood. Blackened areas of skin or skin loss (gangrene).īody tissues rely on a steady supply of blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients.Wounds that won’t heal (vascular ulcers).Easing of pain during rest (usually in the legs).Worsening pain during exercise (usually in the legs).Intermittent pain (claudication), which may feel like cramps, muscle fatigue or heaviness (usually in the legs).Symptoms depend on which body part is deprived of sufficient blood, but may include: In some cases, a person with peripheral vascular disease does not have any symptoms until the condition is advanced and severe. Atherosclerosis in arteries of the brain is called cerebrovascular disease.Ī person with peripheral vascular disease is up to six times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. When atherosclerosis occurs in arteries of the heart, it is called coronary artery disease. Peripheral vascular disease is also known as peripheral artery disease, peripheral artery occlusive disease or peripheral atherosclerosis. Peripheral vascular disease mainly affects blood vessels of the legs and kidneys and, less commonly, the arms. The narrowed blood vessel reduces the circulation of blood to the associated body part. The main cause is atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of fatty deposits that narrow a blood vessel, usually an artery. It is caused by a narrowed or blocked blood vessel. Peripheral vascular disease is the reduced circulation of blood to a body part other than the brain or heart.
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