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Peripheral Vascular Disease Evaluation services offered in Lehigh Acres, Saint Petersburg, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Tampa and Fort Myers, FL
It’s estimated that anywhere from 12 to 20% of adults 60 and older in the United States have peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a condition that reduces blood flow to your extremities. The team at Galenus Group, a group medical practice serving the community of Lehigh Acres, Florida, and beyond, offers peripheral vascular disease evaluations. It’s possible to have PVD and not know it. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent complications. For great physicians and quality care you can trust, call Galenus Group or schedule your PVD evaluation online today.
Peripheral Vascular Disease Evaluation Q & A
What is peripheral vascular disease?
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), also called peripheral artery disease (PAD), is a progressive circulation disorder that reduces or blocks the flow of blood in the peripheral blood vessels — blood vessels outside your heart. Your body and organs can’t function properly without an adequate supply of blood.
The change in circulation usually occurs from a buildup of plaque along the blood vessel wall. This is called atherosclerosis. Spasms in the blood vessel may also cause PVD.
PVD may affect any peripheral blood vessel, but most often occurs in the arteries in the legs.
Who needs a peripheral vascular disease evaluation?
Anyone with PVD risk factors benefits from a PVD evaluation. Risk factors include:
- Anyone 60 and older
- Smokers and former smokers
- Personal history of heart disease
- Family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or PVD
You may also benefit from a PVD evaluation if you have common symptoms of the condition. Leg pain during activity (walking) that improves when you stop is the most common symptom of PVD. This is called claudication and may cause aching or cramping in your buttocks, hip, thigh, or calf.
What happens during a peripheral vascular disease evaluation?
Your provider at Galenus Group reviews the details of your PVD evaluation at your initial visit. They may perform a number of tests to confirm or rule out PVD. Testing may include:
Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
For an ABI, your provider compares blood pressure in your arm and leg. If your blood pressure is lower in your leg, then you may have PVD.
Angiogram
For an angiogram, your provider injects a contrast dye into an artery in your leg and takes an X-ray. The contrast dye improves visibility of your arteries and veins to diagnose PVD.
Vascular ultrasound
A vascular ultrasound is a noninvasive test that allows your provider to see the movement of blood through your blood vessels to look for narrowing or blockages.
Galenus Group provides all the tests you need for your evaluation.
What happens after a peripheral vascular disease evaluation?
Your provider at Galenus Group reviews the results of your PVD evaluation and talks to you about next steps. Treatment for PVD depends on the severity of the narrowing or blockage and may include:
- Lifestyle changes (healthy diet, regular exercise)
- Smoking cessation
- Medication to improve blood flow
- Surgery
The goal of your plan is to alleviate symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
Schedule your peripheral vascular disease evaluation by calling Galenus Group or booking an appointment online today.
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