Peripheral vascular disease is a common arterial disease.
Peripheral vascular disease is synonymous with peripheral
artery disease. The term is also applied for any disorder
that the blood vessels like veins and arteries are affected
with.
Peripheral vascular disease occurs, when fatty material builds up within the blood vessels. Deposit of fatty material blocks and hardens the vessels. This diseased condition of the blood vessels is called is atherosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is another medical term for the hardening of the vessels.
When arteriosclerosis affects the blood vessels of the heart, coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease occurs. Cerebral artery disease occurs when arteriosclerosis affects the carotid arteries of the brain. Atherosclerosis affects the arteries of the legs more than other peripheral arteries. Among peripheral arteries, the blood-supplying arteries to the arms or kidneys are frequently affected with arteriosclerosis.
When fatty material deposit narrows and blocks an artery, it reduces the supply of blood and oxygen to a particular part of the body through the artery. It is medically termed as ischemia.
Symptoms of arteriosclerosis
There are several symptoms of arteriosclerosis and the symptoms vary with
different organs. Cold feet, pain, stroke, gangrene and bluish discoloration
are some of the symptoms. If the treatment is not taken on time, the cells
of the affected body part get damaged and begin to die. Timely detection
of the blocked artery is very important before a severe complication develops
or damage occurs. If the arteries of the legs or arms are affected with
arteriosclerosis, the absent or decreased pulses in the legs or arms indicate
the lack of blood flow through these arteries.
Different types of medications
Medications may prove beneficial for persons who are affected with peripheral
vascular disease. Medications in many cases lessen the risk of stroke
and heart attack. The drugs that are effective and commonly prescribed
are the following-
Antiplatelet drugs: Antiplatelet drugs reduce the stickiness of the blood platelets. It is common to find sticky platelets in the blocked blood vessels. The blood platelets get stuck together in the damaged blood arteries and veins. Sticky platelets form the clotting of the blood and that in turn, leads to heart attack or stroke. Aspirin is one of the most common antiplatelet drugs. It is the least expensive. The intake of aspirin has almost no side effects.
Anticoagulants: These are commonly prescribed drugs for the patients of peripheral vascular disease. These drugs prevent the clotting of blood by affecting the content of protein in the clotting system of the body. The intake of these drugs needs careful monitoring. Heparin and warfarin are two common anticoagulant drugs. The use of heparin is short term while that of warfarin is long term.
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs: Cholesterol-lowering drugs decrease the material that builds up in the arteries and cause Atherosclerosis by reducing the level of blood cholesterol. Niacin, fibrates, statins, and bile acid sequestrants are some of these drugs. Some margarines and foods are available with cholesterol-lowering ingredients.
Calcium Channel Blockers: These drugs regulate the level of blood pressure and dilate arteries.
Vitamins: Vitamins such as B-6, B-12 and folate help reduce homocystine in the blood. Patients of arteriosclerosis are advised to feed on the foods that are rich in these vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.
Surgery: The most effective and efficient remedy to arteriosclerosis is surgery. When the disease becomes severe and gets in the way of daily activities, the surgery becomes a must. There are various types of surgical treatments. Grafting and endarterectomy are common of them.
In case of grafting, the surgeon with a graft replaces the blocked or damaged artery. An artificial artery or vein is used for grafting. Whereas in Endarterectomy; the surgeon removes the build up material from the arteries of the arms or legs.
Recovery
During the surgical procedure, the patients are given mild sedative and are usually discharged within a couple of days after surgery. Most patients resume normal lifestyle after they return home.
