How is PVD detected?
PVD is diagnosed with a variety of tests:
Pulse Volume Recording: PVR: a series of blood pressure cuffs are placed on the legs to help compare circulation to the legs.
Ultrasound (sound waves): The different ultrasound tests include:
Carotid Ultrasound; to determine whether there is plaque or blockage in the carotid arteries (the arteries supplying blood to the brain).
Arterial Duplex: to see if there is blockage in the leg arteries.
Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound: to see if there is an aneurysm (an outpouching) of the aorta in the abdomen.
Angiography: an invasive procedure, done in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, to provide a complete road map of the arteries. Angiography can be performed on the carotid arteries, the renal (kidney) arteries and the leg arteries.
How is PVD treated?
Medications: to lower cholesterol, to lower blood pressure and to improve blood flow through a blocked artery.
Angioplasty: a small balloon is threaded across a blockage , the balloon is inflated and the blockage relieved.
Stent: a tiuy metal scaffolding that is left behind during angioplasty to keep the vessel open.
Atherectomy: removal of plaque and blockage.
Are you at risk for PVD?
Consider the following questions to see if you have PVD:
1. Do you experience leg pain with exercise?
2. Do you experience leg pain without exercise?
3. Do you experience cramping, discomfort or aching in the calves, thighs or hips?
4. Do you experience pain in the toes and feet when your legs are raised?
5. Do you experience pain in the legs or feet while sleeping at night that usually improves after standing?
6. Do you feel that your feet are unusually cold because of possible poor blood circulation in the legs?
7. Do you have painful foot sores or ulcers?
8. Are you a smoker and also think you might have poor circulation in your legs?
9. Are you diabetic and also think you might have poor circulation in your legs? |
