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.
Peripheral vascular disease is treated through lifestyle changes like exercising regularly and not smoking, and medication. Other factors include eating a healthy diet, losing weight if you're overweight and keeping alcohol consumption moderate.
The underlying causes should also be treated, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Improvement of the blood flow in your legs can be made by regular cardiovascular exercise like running, lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol, and staying mobile.
Serious artery blockages may require surgery like coronary angioplasty or vascular surgery. Coronary angioplasty is a procedure to widen arteries that are blocked and placing a stent to keep the artery open and reduce the chances of it narrowing again. Vascular surgery allows for blood to bypass the narrow area through vein grafting.
