Types Of PVD

Atherosclerosis: Thickening and hardening of the arteries. Usually involving the large or medium-sized arteries. The arteries narrow and eventually become blocked. This is also known as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

Microvascular disease: It affects the smaller arteries and is most commonly associated with Diabetes Mellitus. A side effect is a lack of sensation or feeling (neuropathy) to the skin, which in turn develops into ulcerations.

Venous disease: This sluggish return of blood flow exiting the legs is due to defective valves in the veins. Defective valves produce sluggish blood and possibly deep vein thrombus (clot) formation, which in turn can travel to the lungs causing difficulty in breathing and even death. Superficial veins can develop phlebitis.