Treatments for Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease is a problem affecting the body’s circulation due to blood vessel issues such as blockages, spasms or narrowing. Organs supplied by vessels with the disease may not be able to function properly due to a lack of blood flow, but the areas most affected are typically the legs and arms.

Why Peripheral Vascular Disease Occurs

The most common cause of peripheral vascular disease is plaque buildup inside an artery wall, a condition known as atherosclerosis. When plaque accumulates, it can reduce blood flow and rob tissues of much-needed nutrients and oxygen. This can lead to dangerous clotting of the blood that can potentially block major arteries. Other causes include an infection or an injury to a leg or arm.

Treatment Options

In order to determine the best treatment for peripheral vascular disease, your doctor will have to take several factors into account. These include your overall health, your age, the extent of the problem, your tolerance for certain medications and/or therapies, and more.

Your doctor may simply recommend lifestyle changes to lower your risk of the disease, such as stopping smoking, eating healthier and exercising. Your treatment may focus on a condition that may be contributing to peripheral vascular disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol.

Medications may also be prescribed, such as blood thinners and other drugs designed to relax the walls of the affected blood vessels.

If these treatments do not work, then you may need surgery. This typically involves using a blood vessel from another area of the body or a synthetic tube that can restore proper blood flow.

Talk to an expert with DFW Wound Care Center if you would like us to help you deal with peripheral vascular disease. Contact us online or give us a call at 972-318-2383 (Lewisville), 972-607-9643 (Irving) or 972-665-6292 (Plano).