Peripheral Vascular Disease - symptoms and how to test
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a slow and chronic circulatory condition that worsens over time. It is caused by spasms, narrowing and blockage of blood vessels. It affects the blood vessels outside the heart, including arteries, veins or lymphatic vessels. The prevalence of PVD in the United States is estimated to be around 8.5 million. The majority of people affected are over the age of 60, with estimates ranging from 12% to 20%. It also occurs among people with diabetes. PVD is somewhat more common in men than in women. Peripheral vascular tests provide essential information about a patient's health and help determine arteries and veins status.