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Understanding Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
August 11, 2025
Understanding Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options in India
Introduction
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a common yet often overlooked circulatory condition that affects millions globally. In India, where cardiovascular diseases are on the rise, awareness about PVD remains low. This article aims to educate patients and caregivers about PVD—its causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic methods, and treatment options—with insights from Dr. Shridhar G. Padagatti, a leading Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgeon in Mumbai.
What Is Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)?
Peripheral Vascular Disease refers to a group of disorders that affect blood vessels outside the heart and brain, most commonly the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet. The most prevalent form is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), caused by atherosclerosis—a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing or blocking them and restricting blood flow.
Common Causes of PVD
PVD develops slowly over time, often due to a combination of risk factors. The most common causes include:
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- High cholesterol levels
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Chronic kidney disease
These factors can damage the arterial walls, making it difficult for blood to reach the extremities, particularly the legs.
Signs and Symptoms of PVD
Symptoms of PVD may vary depending on the severity and location of the blockage. However, common indicators include:
- Claudication: Leg pain or cramping during walking that goes away with rest
- Coldness in lower leg or foot, especially when compared to the other leg
- Numbness or weakness in legs
- Shiny skin or slow-growing toenails
- Sores or ulcers on the feet or legs that don’t heal
- Discoloration of legs (bluish or pale skin)
- Hair loss on legs or feet
In severe cases, critical limb ischemia can occur, leading to chronic pain, infections, or even gangrene, which may require surgical intervention.
Who Is at Risk for PVD?
Individuals over 50, especially those with a history of smoking, diabetes, or heart disease, are at the highest risk. Indian patients with poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and unmonitored diabetes or cholesterol levels are particularly vulnerable.
Why Early Diagnosis Is Critical
PVD is a progressive condition—if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, or limb amputation. Early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes and helps preserve limb function and overall health.
Diagnostic Tests for PVD
At his vascular practice in Mumbai, Dr. Shridhar uses a range of advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate suspected cases of PVD:
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
- Doppler Ultrasound
- CT Angiography / MR Angiography
- Angiogram
- Blood Tests (to evaluate cholesterol, glucose, and inflammatory markers)
These tests help identify blockages, evaluate blood flow, and determine the best treatment strategy.
Treatment Options for Peripheral Vascular Disease
Dr. Shridhar follows a patient-centric, step-by-step approach to treating PVD:
1. Lifestyle Modifications
- Smoking cessation
- Exercise programs (supervised walking)
- Healthy diet plans
- Weight management
2. Medications
- Antiplatelet agents (like aspirin or clopidogrel)
- Statins to lower cholesterol
- Blood pressure and blood sugar control medications
- Medications to improve walking distance (cilostazol)
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Angioplasty and stenting: A balloon is used to open narrowed arteries, often followed by stent placement.
- Atherectomy: Removal of plaque from artery walls using specialized devices.
4. Surgical Treatments
- Bypass surgery: In severe cases, blood flow is rerouted using a graft vessel from another part of the body.
- Amputation: As a last resort, when tissue death has occurred and limb salvage isn’t possible.
Why Choose Dr. Shridhar for PVD Treatment in Mumbai?
With decades of experience in Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Dr. Shridhar offers one of the most comprehensive and advanced vascular care programs in India. His holistic approach includes not only medical and surgical treatment but also long-term follow-up, risk factor management, and patient education.
His practice is equipped with cutting-edge imaging technology, a multidisciplinary team, and personalized care protocols for patients of all ages and stages of vascular disease.
FAQs About PVD
No, but it can be effectively managed and controlled with timely intervention.
Yes, if left untreated, it can lead to stroke, heart attack, or amputation.
Not always. Many patients benefit from medications and lifestyle changes. Surgery is reserved for severe or non-responsive cases.
Conclusion
Peripheral Vascular Disease is a serious but treatable condition. Increased awareness, early diagnosis, and expert treatment can prevent major complications. If you or a loved one experience leg pain, wounds that won’t heal, or other symptoms of PVD, don’t delay seeking help.
Dr. Shridhar’s Mumbai clinic offers comprehensive evaluations and cutting-edge treatments for vascular conditions, ensuring each patient receives personalized and effective care.
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