PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease): Umbrella term for peripheral vascular conditions.
PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease): Arterial issues.
PVD (Peripheral Venous Disease): Venous issues.
PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease)
Concept: Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to extremities. In PAD, blood can't reach extremities (e.g., foot) due to arterial blockage (plaque buildup).
Symptoms of PAD:
Pain: Sharp, worsens at night (rest pain); intermittent claudication with activity.
Pulses: Weak or absent in extremities; absent pulse is a medical emergency.
Edema: Typically not present.
Temperature: Cold foot due to lack of blood flow.
Color: Pale foot from lack of oxygen-rich blood.
Skin: Hairless, dry, scaly, thin skin.
Wounds: Regular, round, "punched out" appearance with red sores; gangrene may be present.
Treatment:
Dangle arteries (feet) to promote blood flow.
PVD (Peripheral Venous Disease)
Concept: Venous issues where blood reaches extremities but can't return to the heart, causing pooling (e.g., in foot).
Symptoms of PVD:
Pain: Dull, constant, achy pain.
Pulses: Present but may be obscured by edema; use Doppler ultrasound to detect.
Edema: Significant swelling due to blood pooling.
Temperature: Warm leg due to blood presence.
Color: Stasis dermatitis with browning/yellowish coloration.
Wounds: Irregular, shallow venous stasis ulcers.
Gangrene: Generally not present due to lack of blood flow not being an issue.
Treatment:
Elevate veins (feet) to promote return of blood to the heart.
Avoid exacerbating positions such as dangling feet, or prolonged sitting and standing.