Last Updated on January 17, 2025 by Analgesia team
PVD Medical Abbreviation
PVD stands for peripheral vascular disease, a circulatory condition that affects blood vessels outside of the heart and brain. It’s also known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
PVD is caused by a buildup of plaque that narrows, blocks, or spasms blood vessels. This can reduce blood flow to organs and tissues, potentially leading to damage. The legs and feet are most commonly affected.
Symptoms of PVD include:
- Thin or shiny skin on the legs and feet
- Wounds or ulcers
- Thinning hair on the legs
- Leg pain at night
- Buttock pain
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
- Burning or aching pain in the feet or toes while resting
- A sore on a leg or foot that won’t heal
- One or both legs or feet feeling cold or changing color
- Impotence
Complications
- Critical limb ischemia, a severe stage of PVD that can lead to limb loss
- Heart attack or stroke
Treatment
- PVD is treatable and reversible if caught early
- Quitting smoking
- Controlling diabetes
- Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Eating healthy foods
- Exercising regularly
- Losing weight if you are overweight
- Medications, and surgery.