This material must not be used for commercial purposes, or in any hospital or medical facility. Failure to comply may result in legal action.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a condition that causes decreased blood flow to your limbs because of blocked blood vessels. The blockage is usually caused by atherosclerosis. This is when material, such as cholesterol, sticks to the inside of your blood vessels and makes them narrow.
Call 911 for any of the following:
- You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
- Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
- and any of the following:
- Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
- You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
- Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
- Weakness in an arm or leg
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You have pain in your legs that does not go away with rest.
- You have dark areas on the skin of your legs.
- You cannot see out of one or both of your eyes.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Your signs and symptoms get worse or do not get better, even after treatment.
- You have a sore or ulcer that is not healing or gets worse.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
You may need any of the following:
- Cholesterol medicine helps decrease the amount of cholesterol in your blood.
- Antiplatelets help prevent blood clots. This medicine makes it more likely for you to bleed or bruise.
- Vasodilators help blood vessels dilate (open wider) and increase your blood flow.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him or her if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can damage your blood vessels. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Get regular exercise. Ask about the best exercise plan for you. Walking is a low-impact way to exercise and increase your blood flow. Stop and rest if you have pain in your legs.
- Care for your feet. Look closely at your feet every day. Check for cracks or sores. Wash your feet daily with mild soap and dry them well. Do not walk barefoot in case you step on a hard or sharp object.
- Change your sleep position. You may have pain in your legs or feet when you sleep. Raise the head of your bed 4 inches, or use pillows to prop your upper body higher than your legs. This may help more blood go to your feet, decreasing pain.
- Protect and cushion your feet and hands. If you have ulcers on your feet, you may need to wear bandages with heel pads. You may also wear foam rubber booties. Hand or foot warmers may decrease pain in your hands or feet.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your healthcare provider how much you should weigh. Ask him to help you create a weight loss plan if you are overweight.
- Manage diabetes. Keep your blood sugar level in the correct range. Check your blood sugar level often. Ask your healthcare provider if you should make changes to your diet, exercise, or medications.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.