Question

Explain the Pathophysiology of Peripheral vascular disease) (In your own words)

what are the Typical Signs and Symptoms and labs to assess for this medical diagnosis/diagnoses

Answer 1

Ans) In PVD, blood vessels become narrowed and blood flow decreases. This can be due to arteriosclerosis, or “hardening of the arteries,” or it can be caused by blood vessel spasms. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) develops only in the arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.

- Narrowing or blockage of the arteries supplying blood to the lower limbs, usually termed peripheral artery disease (PAD), is principally caused by athero-thrombosis. IC describes the symptoms of pain in the muscles of the lower limb brought on by physical activity which is rapidly relieved by rest.

- Signs and symptoms of PVD often appear gradually. They occur more commonly in the legs than the in arms because the blood vessels in the legs are further from the heart.

Pains, aches, or cramps while walking are typical symptoms of PVD. However, up to 40 percent of people with PVD or PAD do not experience any leg pain.

Pains, aches, and cramps related to walking, which is known as claudication, might occur in the following areas:

• buttock
• calf
• hip
• thigh
Symptoms of claudication often develop when someone is walking quickly or for long distances. The symptoms typically go away with rest. However, as PVD progresses, symptoms can get worse and become more frequent. Leg pain and fatigue may persist even while resting.

Other symptoms of PVD include:

- leg cramps when lying down
- pale or reddish-blue legs or arms
- hair loss on the legs
- skin that is cool to the touch
- thin, pale, or shiny skin on the legs and feet
- slow-healing wounds and ulcers
- cold, burning, or numb toes
- thickened toenails
- slow or absent pulse in the feet
- heavy or numb sensations in the muscles
wasting away of the muscle (atrophy)

Diagnosis
- If a person suspects they have PVD, it is essential that they see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outlook for the disease and prevent severe complications from occurring.

A doctor will diagnose PVD by:

Taking a full medical and family history, which includes details of lifestyle, diet, and medication use.
• Performing a physical examination, which includes checking the skin temperature, appearance, and the presence of pulses in the legs and feet.
They may also order tests to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other conditions. Several other disorders can mimic the symptoms of PVD and PAD.

Diagnostic tests used to diagnose PVD include:

• Angiography. Angiography involves injecting dye into the arteries to identify a clogged or blocked artery.
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI). This non-invasive test measures blood pressure in the ankles. The doctor then compares this reading to blood pressure readings in the arms. A doctor will take measurements after rest and physical activity. Lower blood pressure in the legs suggests a blockage.
• Blood tests. Although blood tests alone cannot diagnose PVD, they can help a doctor check for the presence of conditions that can increase a person's risk of developing PVD, such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
• Computerized tomography angiography (CTA). A CTA imaging test shows the doctor an image of the blood vessels, including areas that have narrowed or become blocked.
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Similar to a CTA, magnetic resonance angiography highlights blood vessel blockages.
Ultrasound. Using sound waves, an ultrasound allows the doctor to see blood circulation through the arteries and veins.