How serious is peripheral vascular disease?

Complications from undiagnosed and untreated PVD can be serious and even life-threatening. Restricted blood flow of PVD can be a warning sign of other forms of vascular disease. Complications of PVD can include: tissue death, which can lead to limb amputation.

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What are the symptoms of vascular disease in the legs?

What are the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease?

Changes in the skin, including decreased skin temperature, or thin, brittle, shiny skin on the legs and feet.
Weak pulses in the legs and the feet.
Gangrene (dead tissue due to lack of blood flow)
Hair loss on the legs.
Impotence.

What organs are affected by peripheral artery disease?

PAD usually affects the arteries in the legs, but it also can affect the arteries that carry blood from your heart to your head, arms, kidneys, and stomach. As with clogged arteries in the heart, PAD raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even death.

Can you reverse vascular disease?

A. If you have the gumption to make major changes to your lifestyle, you can, indeed, reverse coronary artery disease. This disease is the accumulation of cholesterol-laden plaque inside the arteries nourishing your heart, a process known as atherosclerosis.

What is the treatment for vascular disease in the legs?

These include cholesterol medications, blood pressure medications, and blood thinners. Invasive surgeries can be used to repair damaged veins and arteries. Vascular surgery involves grafting a blood vessel from elsewhere in the body to the area affected by the disease.

Can exercise reduce plaque in arteries?

A. Yes, lifestyle changes, including diet, smoking cessation, stress management and exercise, can decrease the size of atherosclerotic plaques. They can also help to stabilize them so that they are less likely to break off and block blood flow, decreasing your risk of a heart attack.