Peripheral vascular disease risk

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), also known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is a slow yet progressive condition that affects the blood vessels. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of PVD, which leads to plaque buildup within the wall. As a result, blockage, narrowing, or spasms within the blood vessel can lead to PVD.
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Peripheral vascular disease can lead to stroke, heart attack, and several other issues. Thus, it is essential to monitor someone’s risk for the condition, control symptoms when they occur, and avoid disease progression. To do so, we must assess someone’s risk of PVD in order to adequately intervene. There are several factors that contribute to peripheral vascular disease risk, including both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
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Modifiable risk factors: Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, coronary artery disease, physical inactivity, smoking.
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Non-modifiable risk factors: Age (increased risk over the age of 50), male gender, heart disease history, postmenopausal women, family history of high blood pressure, PVD, or high cholesterol.