DIAGNOSIS
Early diagnosis is the first step to successful treatment and it can prevent life-threatening complications.
Tell your doctor if you have any of the classic symptoms of PVD, such as claudication. Your doctor will also ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam. The physical exam can include measuring the pulses in your legs and feet.
They may order more specific tests to diagnose PVD. These tests include:
- Doppler ultrasound- It uses sound waves for imaging and that looks on the blood flow in your vessels.
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI)- During this test, ultrasound and blood pressure cuff around ankle and arm, measured before and during exercise.
- Angiography- In this test a dye is injected in a catheter that’s guided through the artery. The dye will diagnosed clogged artery.
- Magnetic Resonance angiography (MRA)- It uses magnetic field imaging that show image of blood vessels to diagnose blockage.
- Computerized tomography angiography (CTA)- It uses X-ray imaging that shows image of blood vessels to diagnose blockage
TREATMENT
The two main goals of PVD treatment:
- to stop the disease from progressing
- to help you manage your pain and symptoms so you can remain active. The treatments will also lower your risk for serious complications.
Lifestyle modifications is typically involve in the first-line treatment. Your doctor will suggest a regular exercise program that includes walking, a balanced diet, and losing weight.
You should quit smoking. Smoking directly causes reduced blood flow in vessels. It also causes PVD to get worse, as well as increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Medication. You may need medication if lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. These include:
- cilostazol or pentoxifylline to increase blood flow and relieve symptoms of claudication
- clopidogrel or daily aspirin to reduce blood clotting
- atorvastatin, simvastatin, or other statins to lower high cholesterol
- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to lower high blood pressure
- diabetes medication to control blood sugar, if you have diabetes
Surgery
Significant artery blockages may require surgery like angioplasty or vascular surgery.
- Angioplasty is when your doctor inserts a catheter or long tube into your artery. A balloon on the tip of the catheter inflates and opens up the artery. In some cases, your doctor will place a small wire tube in the artery, called a stent, to keep it open.
- Vascular surgery allows for blood to bypass the narrow area through vein grafting.