Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) occurs when blood flow through any part of the body other than the heart is restricted by a build-up of plaque caused by atherosclerosis.The vascular system is the network of blood vessels that transport blood throughout the body. The peripheral vascular system includes all of the blood vessels outside the heart. PVD occurs when blood flow through any part of the body other than the heart is restricted by a build-up of plaque caused by atherosclerosis. This is the same plaque that causes coronary artery disease. PVD most commonly occurs in the feet and legs but can also occur in the arms, kidney, neck or other body part.
PVD can be caused by smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, aging, and a family history of the disease. It can also be caused by coronary artery disease (heart disease). Patients with diabetes are at high risk because diabetes itself can cause circulation problems, especially in the legs and feet.
