Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease is the name given to blockage of the arteries to the legs and the feet. It is a complication of atherosclerosis, and is worse in patients with high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, diabetes mellitus and those who smoke cigarettes. If there is blockage of one of the larger arteries leading to the legs then exercise can produce pain in the calf - a syndrome called intermittent claudication. Rest relieves the pain. Blockage of smaller arteries causes cold peripheries, which are subject to slow healing if they are injured. Severe cases can produce gangrene.
 
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