Peripheral Vascular Disease

Coastal Vascular Center

Vascular & Endovascular Surgeons located in Oxnard, Camarillo, & Simi Valley, CA

More than eight million people in the United States have peripheral vascular disease, which refers to conditions that affect blood circulation outside of your heart and brain. In most cases, peripheral vascular disease refers to clogged blood vessels due to the buildup of plaque along the walls. At Coastal Vascular Center, with offices in Oxnard, Camarillo, and Simi Valley, California, the vascular surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and management of peripheral vascular disease and can provide care to improve circulation and health. For an appointment, contact the office nearest you by phone or online today.

Peripheral Vascular Disease Q & A

What is peripheral vascular disease?

While peripheral vascular disease can include any condition or disease that affects your peripheral circulatory system, it most often means peripheral artery disease. This condition specifically refers to the buildup of plaque along the blood vessel walls, which causes blood vessels to harden and narrow, impeding blood flow.

You may be at risk of peripheral vascular disease if you have a history of diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol. Smoking also increases your risk.

Peripheral vascular disease can affect any blood vessel, but the condition is most common in the blood vessels in the legs.

What are the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease?

Not everyone with peripheral vascular disease develops symptoms. However, if you’re experiencing cramping pains in your leg when you walk, referred to as claudication, then you may have peripheral vascular disease.

Other symptoms include:

Numbness or tingling in your legs
Burning or tingling sensation in your toes
A sore on your leg or foot that won’t heal
Legs are cold or purple in color
Poor hair growth on your legs

Erectile dysfunction in men may also be a sign of peripheral vascular disease.

How is peripheral vascular disease diagnosed?

The team at Coastal Vascular Center conducts comprehensive examinations when you come to the office with symptoms that indicate peripheral vascular disease. The team reviews your symptoms and medical history and conducts a physical exam.

They may also conduct an ankle/brachial test, which compares the blood pressure in your arm to the blood pressure in your leg. If the blood pressure is higher in your legs than your arms, then the blood circulation is considered good, and you may not have peripheral vascular disease.

However, your vascular specialist may request additional diagnostic testing, such as an ultrasound, angiography, or MRI, to confirm or rule out the findings from your physical exam.

What are the treatments for peripheral vascular disease?

The team at Coastal Vascular Center develops individualized treatment plans for the management of peripheral vascular disease based on the severity of your condition, your symptoms, and your medical history.

Your specialist may initially recommend lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. They may also recommend disease-specific medication to help you manage your risk factors.

If the blood vessels are severely blocked, your specialist may suggest angioplasty or stenting to enlarge the blocked or narrowed blood vessel to improve blood flow.

For expert care of your vascular health and peripheral vascular disease, contact Coastal Vascular Center by phone or online today.

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