Los Angeles Peripheral Vascular Surgeon
Learn About the Disease & Its Risk
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) includes the disease of blood vessels in the body that are located outside of the heart or brain. This condition is often caused as a result of atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries due to excessive plaque buildup. Because of decreased blood flow to the limbs, PVD can create very serious complications. Early detection is critical in helping affected individuals receive the treatment that they need.
Some of the risk factors for PVD include:
- Aging
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Inactivity
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- A family history of vascular disease
Common Symptoms & Complications
PVD is a very common disease that affects around 10 million Americans. Some of the complications of PVD include a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, severe pain in the limbs, and gangrene that may require amputation. If you experience symptoms associated with PVD, it is important to see a medical provider as soon as possible to have testing performed. Some of the common symptoms that you may experience include painful cramping in the leg or hip when walking, swelling or edema in the lower extremities, numbness or tingling in the legs or feet, severe abdominal or back pain, and uncontrollable blood pressure.
Learn About Your Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease, there are treatment options for reducing the complications and pain that you are suffering from. One of these options is open surgery, which can remove artery blockages or bypasses the clogged area. For more information about the surgical choices that are available to you for treating PVD, contact Dr. Azmi Atiya MD today.
Call (818) 561-7426 or email us to get started.