Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) causes your blood flow to be compromised and can increase your risk for varicose veins and blood clots. The medical team at Phoenix Heart is experienced at the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of peripheral vascular diseases, including peripheral artery disease. For an expert consultation and treatment plan, call or book an appointment with a Phoenix Heart office in Glendale, Goodyear, Anthem, Buckeye, Laveen, or Black Canyon City, Arizona.
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a term that refers to several conditions that affect blood flow through the arteries, veins, capillaries, and lymph vessels located away from the heart itself. PVD particularly affects the extremities, most often the legs.
Types of PVD include:
Peripheral vascular diseases cause compromised blood flow through narrowing, inflammation, spasm, and blockage of the veins. PVD is progressive, and worsens over time, if not treated.
Atherosclerosis, or narrowing and hardening of the arteries, is a leading contributing factor for PVD. Coronary artery disease and diabetes also place you at higher risk of having this condition.
Other risk factors that contribute to the development of PVD are:
Some of these factors can be addressed with a healthy lifestyle, decreasing your PVD symptoms and your chances of long-term complications.
For many with peripheral vascular disease, there are few or no symptoms at all. This makes regular checkups and screenings for compromised blood flow important to your overall cardiac health.
If you have symptoms of PVD, you may experience:
If your PVD is serious, you may experience severe pain or develop gangrene, an infection that causes tissues to die.
Initially, your Phoenix Heart provider performs a thorough physical assessment and takes a complete health history. They may also order diagnostic studies, including angiography, ultrasound, and vein mapping, or venography.
Depending on the severity of your vascular disease, they may prescribe:
Your provider at Phoenix Heart is committed to helping you prevent the progression of PVD and avoid the long-term complications of this potentially dangerous disease.
For a PVD screening and customized treatment plan, call today or book an appointment online with Phoenix Heart.
Heart Care
Cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. We treat all ranges of conditions that affect the heart.
Learn MoreVein Care
We diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions, injuries, and diseases related to the veins in the body.
Learn MoreVascular Care
Our cardiologists take a multidisciplinary approach to vascular care. Our care team provides surgical and non-surgical vascular treatment options to keep you healthy.
Learn MoreFor Patients
Get the information you need before your appointment, access our online portal, forms, prescription refills and more.
Learn More