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Peripheral Vascular Disease What Is PVD?
Peripheral Vascular Disease develops silently and affects the arteries of more than 10 million Americans. PVD refers to the group of medical problems that cause poor circulation to the toes, feet, legs and hands.
How Serious Is It?
Your body relies on an extensive network of blood vessels to supply blood to the heart and remove waste products from cells. Arteries generally transport blood from the heart to the body, and veins carry blood back to the heart. Both arteries and veins are necessary to provide your body with the oxygen it needs to function properly through healthy blood circulation. Central blood vessels typically lead to the heart, while peripheral vessels are in the feet, legs, lower abdomen, arms, neck and head. Peripheral vascular disease refers to the damage or dysfunction within these arteries and veins. Caused by blocked blood flow in the arteries, PVD may indicate a problem in circulation in other parts of the body as well, which may mean a risk for heart attack or stroke.
What Are the Symptoms?
The most common symptom is leg pain when walking or exercising, which disappears after a few minutes of rest. Although many people determine the cause of their pain is natural and assume it?s of no concern, PVD indicates vessels are clogged and may need medical attention. In early stages, there may be cramping or fatigue in the legs or buttocks. Other symptoms are: swelling, numbness/tingling, skin discolorations in lower legs or feet, cold legs or feet or sores that won?t heal. Advanced PVD can lead to the amputation of part of the foot or leg, a heart attack, stroke or life-threatening aneurysm.
What Are My Risks?
Vascular disease such as PVD is most common among men and women over 50, but can occur at any age. Risk factors include: smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history of heart or vascular disease, obesity and/or a lack of physical activity.
How Is It Detected?
Early detection and treatment of PVD and heart disease increase the chances that conditions can be controlled to ensure a better prognosis. A simple screening, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes, can help identify your risk. The screening is painless - blood pressure cuffs are placed on various parts of the lower extremities and readings are taken to note where blood is circulating properly. Our specialists will then evaluate the screening to see if PVD is detected.
What Happens If PVD is Detected?
Although PVD is very common, it does not have to cause serious complications. If PVD is detected, then either Dr. James Williams, Board-Certified Cardiovascular Surgeon, or Dr. Paul Siebert, Board-Certified General Surgeon, will speak with you to discuss your options for treatment.
Paul Siebert, M.D.
Board-Certrified General Surgeon
Dr. Paul Siebert received his medical degree from Rush Medical College. He completed his surgical residency in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Siebert is certified by the American Board of Surgery and has a specialized interest in vascular defects. Dr. Siebert is Chief of Surgery at Pekin Hospital.
James Williams, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.C.C.P., F.A.C.C.
Board-Certified Cardiovascular Surgeon
Dr. James Williams received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. He completed his surgical residency at the University of Alabama and completed his cardiothoracic surgical training at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Williams is certified by the American Board of Surgery with special qualifications in vascular surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.
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