Peripheral Vascular Disease Symptoms Smoking Facts About Leg Angina Symptoms
Peripheral vascular disease symptoms result from tissue ischemia.
The major characteristic of the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease are pain that gets much worse
on movement and much better when the limb is at rest. This is called intermittent claudication or
leg angina. Symptoms that result from the lack of blood flow also include coolness of the limb and a
pale color.
The smoking facts reveal that cigarette smoking is one of the main risk factors for peripheral
artery disease or PAD.
Peripheral vascular disease or peripheral artery disease?
Both terms are used to refer to the same pathological process of atherosclerosis disease which results in decreased circulation to a limb.
They may be shortened to PVD or PAD respectively
Peripheral artery disease is the more correct term as it refers specifically to the arteries but the term peripheral vascular disease has been in use much longer.
Leg Angina Symptoms or Intermittent Claudication
The lack of oxygen delivery because of restricted blood flow usually causes pain when that muscle needs
oxygen to work.
Lack of blood flow to the heart muscle is called angina. This is the typical chest pain caused by
coronary atherosclerosis disease that results in blockages in the delivery of
oxygen rich blood to the heart muscle.
Peripheral vascular disease symptoms also include muscle pain because of blocked arteries. Typically this occurs when the
muscle is being used and then the pain goes away when the muscle is at rest. Because it is caused by the
same pathology as heart angina it is sometimes called leg angina.
The pain caused by peripheral artery disease can occur whenever the muscle is used for any activity
even walking.
Leg pain that gets worse on walking and goes away at rest is called intermittent claudication. Pain that
persists even when the limb is at rest indicates that circulation to the limb is severely
restricted and not enough oxygen can be delivered even when the muscle is not working.
Other Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease
change in color in lighter skin - when the limb is in a dependent position the color might
change to a purple red sometimes called a "dusky" color. When elevated the limb may go pale.
cool skin - reduced temperature of the skin is caused by lack of blood flow.
change in the appearance of the nails and skin and lack of hair are all signs of tissue ischemia or lack of blood flow.
skin breakdown in the form of ulcers and gangrene can result from severe and prolonged tissue ischemia.
decreased or absent pulses in the limb.
Smoking Facts about Peripheral Vascular Disease Symptoms
It is estimated that smoking accounts for about 75% of all cases of peripheral vascular disease.
Some smokers with PVD may find that smoking a cigarette brings on the intermittent claudication because nicotine
is a powerful vasoconstrictor.
Symptoms do not usually appear until significant obstruction of the artery has occurred. Usually there has to be about 70% occlusion before a diagnosis can be made.
Buerger's Disease is one of the other diseases caused by smoking that affects the blood vessels and
circulation to the limbs. However, it is not caused by atherosclerosis disease.
The purpose of the information provided here is to help you cooperate with your doctor and other
health practitioners. It is not intended to take the place of medical advice and you are encouraged to
discuss health concerns with your physician or a professional health care provider who is
familiar with you and your unique personal health context.
