Introduction
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a progressive condition that affects the body’s peripheral arteries. It occurs when plaque builds up on the artery walls, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to your legs and arms. The best way to prevent PVD is to maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise and medication use if needed. If you think you may have symptoms of PVD, seek medical care right away; it could save your life!
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a progressive condition that affects the body’s peripheral arteries.
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a progressive condition that affects the body’s peripheral arteries. The blood vessels become narrow and hard, making it harder to move blood through the body. This can lead to pain, numbness or changes in skin color in your arms or legs.
Though PVD does not affect as many people as coronary artery disease (CAD), it is still important for you to understand what symptoms are associated with each type of heart disease so you know when it’s time to visit your doctor.
The best way to prevent PVD is to maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise and medication use if needed.
The best way to prevent PVD is to maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise and medication use if needed.
- Exercise: Exercise can help reduce your risk of developing PVD by improving blood flow throughout the body. Regular aerobic activity may even delay or prevent the need for surgery on your leg veins. Talk with your doctor about what types of exercise are right for you based on your condition and current health status.
- Diet: Eating foods rich in potassium such as bananas, potatoes and leafy greens can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels (hypertension). If you’re looking to reduce cholesterol levels there are several foods that should be included in your meal plan such as oats which contain soluble fiber known as beta glucan which has been shown to lower LDL or bad cholesterol levels while raising HDL or good cholesterol levels.*
If you think you may have symptoms of PVD, seek medical care right away; it could save your life!
If you think you may have symptoms of PVD, seek medical care right away; it could save your life!
PVD can be managed with preventative measures and early detection by your doctor. If left untreated, PVD can lead to heart attack and stroke.
Peripheral vascular disease can be managed with preventative measures and early detection by your doctor
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Exercise regularly, and make sure to include strength training in your routine.
- Eat well-balanced meals that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol.
- If you need medication to control blood pressure or cholesterol levels, take it as prescribed by your doctor so that these conditions don’t worsen over time and lead to PVD complications later on down the line.
Conclusion
The best thing you can do for yourself is to get regular checkups and avoid risky behaviors. If you think you may have symptoms of PVD, seek medical care right away; it could save your life!
