Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

Peripheral Vascular Disease Symptoms

Peripheral Vascular Disease

As a cardiology practice that specializes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) we realize that many of our patients have more widespread vascular disease in other areas of the body which can affect their health and well-being. We also specialized in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The same kinds of blockages that can affect people in the heart arteries can also cause problems in other organ systems and the extremities. Patients may experience difficulty in walking due the blockages leading to symptoms of cramping in the leg muscles, pain, heaviness and sometimes discoloration in the legs that we strive to evaluate and treat with the latest techniques that focus on medical therapies and catheter-based interventions to improve quality of live for our patients. Dr’s Lee MacDonald, MD, Anthony Cedrone, MD and, Juan Weksler, MD, have advanced training and long experience in caring for these patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and would be happy to see and evaluate them as part of a comprehensive evaluation.

Interventional and Peripheral Cardiologists

Lee MacDonald South Denver Cardiology Interventional Cardiologist Lee MacDonald, M.D.

Physicians,
Interventional Cardiologist Anthony J Cedrone MD Anthony J Cedrone, M.D.

Physicians,
Juan Eduardo Weksler, M.D., FACC, FSCAI

Physicians,

The symptoms of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) can vary, but common ones include:

1. Leg Pain: Often referred to as intermittent claudication, this pain occurs in the legs or buttocks during physical activities like walking or climbing stairs and typically eases with rest.

2. Numbness or Weakness: You might experience numbness or weakness in the legs.

3. Coldness in the Lower Leg or Foot: A noticeable difference in temperature between the affected limb and the rest of the body is common.

4. Sores or Wounds: Slow-healing wounds or sores can occur on the toes, feet, or legs.

5. Change in Color of the Legs: The affected leg may appear pale or bluish.

6. Weak or Absent Pulse: The pulse may be weak or absent in the legs or feet.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.

Cardiologists treat peripheral vascular disease (PVD) through lifestyle changes, medications, and medical procedures. Here are the main approaches:

1. Lifestyle Modifications: Patients are often advised to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, such as:
– Quitting smoking is essential for improving vascular health.
– Following a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
– Engaging in regular exercise to improve circulation and overall cardiovascular health.
– Managing weight to reduce strain on the vascular system.

2. Medications: Cardiologists may prescribe medications to manage PVD, including:
– Antiplatelet agents (like aspirin or clopidogrel) to reduce the risk of blood clots.
– Statins to lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.
– Medications to manage hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes, if applicable.

3. Supervised Exercise Therapy: Structured exercise programs can help improve symptoms and overall functional capacity in patients with claudication (leg pain due to insufficient blood flow).

4. Minimally Invasive Procedures: In some cases, cardiologists may recommend interventional procedures such as:
– Angioplasty, where a small balloon is inserted into the narrowed artery and inflated to widen it.
– Stenting involves placing a small mesh tube to keep the artery open after angioplasty.

Overall, the treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s specific condition, severity of PVD, and any other health issues they may have. Regular follow-up and monitoring are also essential to ensure the best outcomes.

Schedule an Appointment

If you think you have symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) or would like to learn more about how South Denver Cardiology can help you, please call 303-744-1065 or contact us online to request an appointment.

Provider referrals can be faxed to 303-703-2118