Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a blood circulation disorder that causes some of your blood vessels to narrow, block, or spasm. Some lifestyle changes, such as exercising and quitting smoking, may help.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) can affect the arteries or veins that supply blood and oxygen to your:

  • lower limbs
  • abdominal area
  • upper body

In PVD, blood vessels become narrowed, decreasing blood flow. This is usually due to atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in a vessel and limits the flow of blood and oxygen to your organs and limbs.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a type of PVD that develops only in the arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. PAD is the most common form of PVD, so the terms are often used interchangeably.

PVD affects up to 50 million people in the United States, and 200 million people globally.

If PVD is left untreated, plaque growth may develop into clots and completely block the artery. This may lead to life threatening complications, such as stroke and the loss of limbs.

Keep reading to learn more about the causes, types, symptoms, and treatments for PVD.

PVD is typically caused by a narrowing of the blood vessel structure due to a buildup of fatty substances, such as cholesterol. This condition is known as atherosclerosis.

Fatty substances create deposits of plaque that build up on the walls of the blood vessels. This causes the vessels to harden and it also restricts the blood flow inside.

Atherosclerosis most commonly affects the blood vessels in your lower limbs. However, the vessels in your upper body could also be affected.

Several risk factors could increase your risk of atherosclerosis and PVD.

Research suggests the highest risk factor associated with PVD is smoking. Other risk factors may include:

Plaque buildup in the blood vessels develops gradually over many years, so you may not experience symptoms for a while if you have PVD.

For many people, the first signs of PVD begin slowly and irregularly.

The most common symptom of PVD is intermittent claudication. You may feel discomfort and cramping in your legs that worsen with physical activity due to the lack of blood flow. It usually goes away after some rest.

Other symptoms of PVD may include:

It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms. They’re commonly brushed aside as the result of aging, but delayed diagnosis and treatment may lead to complications.

Early diagnosis is the first step to successful treatment. It could also help prevent life threatening complications.

A doctor will perform a medical history and physical examination, which may include:

  • asking you questions about your symptoms
  • examining the skin of your lower limbs for signs of PVD
  • measuring the pulses in your legs and feet

A doctor may also perform an ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) test. This involves using ultrasound to measure the blood pressure in your legs and arms before and after exercise. Lower pressure in your leg could indicate a blood circulation blockage, which may be a sign of PVD.

In some cases, a doctor may order the following tests to diagnose PVD:

Complications of PVD can be serious and life threatening. Restricted blood flow of PVD can be a warning sign of other forms of vascular disease.

Complications of PVD may include:

According to the British Heart Foundation, up to 2 in 100 people who experience intermittent claudication will require amputation within 5 years of receiving a diagnosis of PVD.

Learn more about what to expect with PVD.

Treatment for PVD may include a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery to help:

  • stop the disease from progressing
  • manage symptoms
  • lower your risk for serious complications

Lifestyle changes

First-line treatments typically involve lifestyle modifications.

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, the two most important factors in PVD treatment are exercising and quitting smoking, if you smoke.

A doctor could help develop an exercise program that includes a minimum of 120 minutes of exercise weekly. Walking every day is also a critical part of treatment.

Other lifestyle habits that could help you prevent or treat PVD include:

Medications

If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, a doctor may prescribe medications. These may include:

Surgery

In cases of significant blood vessel blockages, a doctor may recommend surgery to help restore blood circulation. This is known as revascularization and may include angioplasty or bypass surgery.

What is the life expectancy of a person with PAD in the legs?

The life expectancy for someone with PAD in the legs will depend on several factors, such as the severity of the condition and whether you have any complications.

According to the British Heart Foundation, up to 10% of people with PAD develop critical limb ischemia (CLI) within 5 years of receiving a diagnosis of PAD. Research suggests that 1 in 2 people with CLI will survive longer than 5 years after receiving a CLI diagnosis.

Learn more about the progression of PAD.

What are the typical symptoms of peripheral arterial disease?

The most common symptom of PAD is intermittent claudication, which is when you experience pain or cramps in your legs when you walk.

PVD is a circulation disorder that most commonly affects the blood vessels in your lower limbs.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to minimizing your risk of complications.

Your treatment plan may include a combination of lifestyle and dietary changes, such as exercising and quitting smoking, if you smoke. In severe cases, you may require surgery.

Speak with a healthcare professional if you experience PVD symptoms. They could provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for you.