Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a disorder that affects blood circulation and caused by a build up of fatty deposits that block the arteries, veins and blood vessels. PVD typically causes fatigue and pain in the legs especially during exercise.
The first line of treatment usually involves lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking is the most important step, as smoking directly worsens blood vessel damage. Regular exercise, especially supervised walking programs, helps improve circulation and reduces symptoms of leg pain when walking (claudication). A healthy diet, controlling blood sugar in diabetes, and maintaining a healthy weight also support better blood flow and overall vascular health.
Medications are often prescribed to manage risk factors and improve circulation. Drugs such as antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel) reduce the risk of blood clots. Cholesterol-lowering medications (statins) help slow plaque buildup in arteries, while blood pressure and diabetes medicines are important in controlling underlying conditions. In some cases, drugs that improve blood flow in the legs may be used to relieve symptoms.
For patients with more severe disease, procedures or surgery may be necessary to restore circulation. Minimally invasive options include angioplasty, where a small balloon is inserted into the narrowed artery to widen it, often followed by placing a stent to keep it open. In advanced cases, surgical bypass may be performed to reroute blood around blocked arteries. If critical limb ischemia develops, urgent intervention is needed to save the affected limb.
