Q-I couldn`t understand what my doctor tried to tell me about my condition, but I know I can turn to you for a further explanation. Would you tell me about peripheral vascular disease? All I am sure of is that it affects my arteries.
A-Here is a case where the name of the condition does a fair job of describing its nature.
The word ``peripheral`` applies to the outer portions of our bodies, the arms and legs. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) encompasses a number of chronic diseases of the arms or legs that arise from the fact that the arteries that bring blood to these areas have narrowed due to disease, and fail to provide sufficient blood supply.
The most common cause of this narrowing is arteriosclerosis, which accounts for almost 95 percent of all cases. Older people are the most common victims since PVD usually strikes after the age of 50, and men are the sufferers six to seven times more frequently than women.
A high number of PVD patients are smokers (almost 90 percent) and about 25 percent of all patients have diabetes.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol and overweight do their share of the damage as well, causing arteriosclerosis, not only in the peripheral arteries, but also the vessels in the brain and heart.
The most common symptom of PVD is pain in the calves of the legs after a short walk, but eases up when the effort is stopped.
Although the physician may prescribe medication to help the blood circulate and reduce cholesterol, there is much you must do for yourself. Smoking must stop and a walking program should be developed and carried out regularly.
Good foot hygiene is a must; wear clean socks and comfortable shoes, and pay attention to toenails, corns and calluses.
Surgical procedures are available to widen the arteries or replace those that are totally blocked, but you have a 75 percent chance of bringing the condition under control.