St. Johns
UF Health Flagler Hospital's team of cardiologists and interventional radiologists offer comprehensive treatment for peripheral vascular disease, with both medical and surgical approaches.
What is Peripheral Vascular Disease?
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) involves damage to or blockage in the blood vessels distant from your heart-the peripheral arteries and veins. Your peripheral arteries and veins carry blood to and from your arm and leg muscles and the organs in and below your stomach area. PVD may also affect the arteries leading to your head. When PVD affects only the arteries and not the veins, it is called peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The main forms that PVD may take include blood clots, swelling (inflammation), or narrowing and blockage of the blood vessels.
Our goals are to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and mobility, and prevent heart attack, stroke and amputation. Treatment options may include making lifestyle changes, taking medication, and in some cases having a special procedure or surgery.
Signs and symptoms of PAD
One in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has PAD, a condition that raises the risk for heart attack and stroke. Peripheral arterial disease develops when your arteries become clogged with plaque (fatty deposits that limit blood flow to your legs.) Just like the clogged arteries in the heart, clogged arteries in the legs mean you are at risk for heart attack and stroke. Signs & symptoms include:
- Painful cramping in your hip, thigh or calf muscles after walking or climbing stairs
- Leg numbness or weakness
- Coldness in your lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other leg
- Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won't heal
- A change in the color of your legs
- Hair loss on your feet and legs
- Changes in your toenails
Experiencing the signs and symptoms of PAD?
Call the UF Health Flagler Hospital Peripheral Vascular Center today.