Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a slow and progressive circulation disorder. It may involve disease in any of the blood vessels outside of the heart and diseases of the lymph vessels. Organs supplied by these vessels such as the brain, heart and legs, may not receive adequate blood flow, and may not function properly.

PVD is typically caused by atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque inside the artery wall, which reduces blood flow to the limbs and decreases the oxygen and nutrients available to the tissue. When PVD occurs in the arteries outside the heart, it may be referred to as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However the terms "peripheral vascular disease" and "peripheral arterial disease" are often used interchangeably.

There are many symptoms of PVD, including changes in the skin, diminished pulse in the legs and feet, hair loss on the legs, muscle numbness or weakness and restricted mobility. Treatment for PVD may include lifestyle modification, angioplasty or vascular surgery.


Treatment for PVD may include:

• lifestyle modification
• angioplasty
• vascular surgery

Read more about PVD:

• Vein Program Treats Full Range of Venous Conditions
• Blood Clots and Long-distance Travel
• UAB’s Vein Program
• Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Circulatory Problem Affecting Daily Life

Or, visit our Heart Health Library:

• Peripheral Vascular Disease 
• Claudication
• Atherosclerosis
• Raynaud's Phenomenon
• Deep Vein Thrombosis