In the past several years of working in medical practice, we have found that many individuals tend to misidentify peripheral vascular disease as pvd. The two terms, however, are not always synonymous. Although they are often used interchangeably, they are actually quite different. Here is an overview of what you need to know about each term, including what they can mean for your individual situation.
Peripheral vasculopathy refers to an impairment of peripheral arterial function caused by vessel obstruction. This is characterized by a decreased blood flow in peripheral tissues (arteries, veins, or capillaries). In some cases, this may lead to increased internal pressure within the body, as well. In addition, the symptoms and signs of pvd include sudden weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations. If your doctor detects vascular impingement at the site of a heart attack or stroke, it may be difficult to determine whether or not it is the result of a symptom of pvd. But, if left untreated, it can lead to irreversible loss of function in the extremities.
Peripheral vascular disease is more commonly known as PVD. This is because it affects the peripheral circulatory system, which includes arteries, veins, and capillaries that supply blood to various areas of the body. When vascular disease occurs in the peripheral system, the result can be a variety of problems, including heart failure and stroke.
Unfortunately, many physicians fail to recognize PVD as an appropriate diagnosis. For example, many physicians mistakenly diagnose a diabetic episode with ischemia. This can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety on patients, since they are then viewed as having high blood pressure. By recognizing that peripheral arterial dysfunction is the result of PVD, many patients can avoid the discomfort and worry that typically accompany the diagnosis of a primary disorder.
Despite the fact that many doctors do not take pvd as seriously, it can be a debilitating illness for those who suffer from it. Symptoms include a constant sensation of numbness, tingling, or pain in the lower extremities, particularly the foot and ankle. Other symptoms that may accompany this condition include vomiting, loss of appetite, or difficulty swallowing.
For those who experience a stroke or heart attack as a result of pvd, their medical history may reveal other conditions that could lead them to incorrectly diagnose it. In most instances, they are incorrect in their assumption that it is a symptom of primary heart failure. Instead, they are misdiagnosed because they fail to realize that this condition is usually a result of cardiovascular disease. Because of this, patients must seek medical treatment, which is often very costly and invasive.
When considering treatment options for either disease, you should always get a second opinion from another physician or neurologist. This ensures that you are receiving the most appropriate care, and the best chance for overall health and function.
For those suffering from PVD, medications often help with the pain, numbness, and swelling associated with the condition. However, it is important to note that it is not an easy condition to treat and can become progressively more complicated. Many patients find that they need to undergo surgery or invasive procedures, such as open-heart surgery.
While many people with pvd have been able to completely recover, there are others who have continued to experience the symptoms or complications of the condition. It is important to recognize that if you have had your initial checkup and are feeling better, you may not always experience improvement with your symptoms. As long as you have the desire to be active and continue to monitor your symptoms, you will be able to monitor whether you have progressed and what kind of treatment is necessary.
If you have any questions about your symptoms or whether or not you may have a condition that is related to PVD, you may want to contact your primary physician or neurologist. In most cases, if your primary physician suspects you have pvd, they will conduct further tests to rule out other conditions.
While your physician may prescribe medication or invasive procedures, if you have had any other signs of cardiovascular disease, they will also want to rule out a primary condition. These additional tests can help to identify the actual cause of the symptoms and make certain that you receive the appropriate treatment.
