Lisa Conway – FLORIDA TODAY
Q: My leg hurts when I exercise. Could it be peripheral vascular disease?
A: Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a common condition that affects the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain, most commonly in the legs. It occurs when the arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood, narrow due to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup). 
The resulting restricted blood flow can cause pain, tissue damage and increased risk for heart attack and stroke. This is a serious disease, especially for seniors who are (or were) smokers. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “PVD is common, affecting between 8 and 12 million Americans.”
Risk Factors for PVD include:
- Smoking: Smokers (and past smokers) are 4X more likely than non-smokers to develop PVD. Nicotine contributes to blood vessel constriction and promotes plaque formation.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, accelerating the development of atherosclerosis.
- High blood pressure (Hypertension): This stresses the arteries, making them more prone to damage and plaque buildup.
- High cholesterol: Elevated levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol promote plaque formation within arteries.
- Age: PVD is most common in individuals over 50.
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle: Poor cardiovascular health contributes to PVD risk.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “About half the people diagnosed with PVD have no symptoms. For those with symptoms, the most common first symptom is painful leg cramping that occurs with exercise and is relieved by rest. This is known as intermittent claudication.” Other symptoms include:
- Numbness or weakness in the legs.
- Sores or wounds that are slow to heal on the legs or feet.
- Coldness in a lower leg or foot.
- Shiny skin and slow hair growth on legs.
The treatment for PVD aims to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Quitting smoking, exercising and managing diet and weight are essential. Medications may be indicated to manage cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, as well as blood thinners to prevent clotting. In severe cases, surgical procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery may be required to restore blood flow.
Ready for the good news? According to Yale Medicine, “Caught in its early stages, peripheral vascular disease is a treatable and reversible disease.” Preventing PVD involves controlling risk factors through lifestyle changes, regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and routine medical checkups.
Join us on October 18 to learn more about that pain in your leg. Our guest will be Dr. Derek Mittleider, a recognized expert in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. Bring your questions and stay for lunch. RSVP online at www.OneSeniorPlace.com/events or call 321-751-6771 in Viera.
One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Questions for this column are answered by professionals in nursing, social work, care management and in-home care. Send questions to askOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging. Lisa Conway is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Care Manager for Senior Partner Care Services, Viera. Ms. Conway hosts a monthly seminar, ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa.’
