Peripheral vascular disease or PVD involves the blood vessels outside the central nervous system, thorax and abdomen. The major cause of PVD is hardening of the arteries. It is most often seen in patients over 40 years of age. It can be associated with other problems, such as:
* diabetes,
* infections,
* tumors, that cause blockage in the pelvic veins, and
* inflammation of the arteries.

Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the extremities. Sometimes the diseases do not involve damage to the blood vessels themselves and are temporary and reversible. This type of PVD may be triggered by smoking, emotional stress, extreme cold, or work with vibrating machinery. Symptoms relate to the degree of arterial blockage that is present. Typical symptoms may include:
* pain, aches, cramps numbness or muscle fatigue,
* cold or numbness in the feet and toes,
* hair loss on the affected extremity,
* thickened nails,
* pale, shiny skin,
* cool or bluish colored skin, and
* decreased or absent pulses in the feet and ankles.

Treatment may include the following:
* smoking cessation programs,
* good skin care if rashes or ulcers develop,
* antifungal or antibiotic medications if fungus or bacterial infections develop,
* anticoagulant drugs,
* surgery to remove the clot, or
* surgery to bypass blocked arteries.

Smoking contributes to the development of arterial disease. If you smoke, talk to your healthcare provider. He or she will suggest programs that are available in your area to help you stop. For more information about PVD and other preventable diseases, contact the American Heart Association at (800) 242-8721.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go