Enfermedad vascular periférica (PVD)

La enfermedad vascular periférica (EVP ) se produce cuando el flujo sanguíneo en uno de los vasos sanguíneos fuera del corazón se ralentiza o se detiene.

Your body depends on a vast network of blood vessels to carry blood to and from the heart. When you have PVD, blood can’t pass smoothly through one of these blood vessels. As a result, part of the body may not receive enough blood, or blood may pool or form a clot. PVD can increase your risk for other heart and vascular conditions, reduce your mobility and impact your quality of life.

PVD can affect the arteries, veins or both. A common type of PVD is peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as peripheral arterial disease. PAD often affects the arteries in the legs and feet and can lead to leg pain when walking, as well as other symptoms.

Otros tipos de PVD son:

• Chronic venous insufficiency: When a damaged vein struggles to send blood back to the heart
• Deep vein thrombosis: A type of blood clot that forms in veins deep inside the body
• Varicose veins: Enlarged veins just beneath the skin’s surface

Los problemas en los vasos sanguíneos periféricos tienden a desarrollarse lentamente y a empeorar con el tiempo. Por eso son más comunes después de la edad 50. El diagnóstico y el tratamiento precoces le ofrecen la mejor oportunidad de controlar los síntomas y evitar complicaciones.

Si no se trata, la EVP puede causar las siguientes complicaciones:

• Claudication: Muscle pain and cramping in your feet and legs due to reduced blood supply.
• Critical limb ischemia: This is a condition where, as your arteries become blocked, you experience chronic pain and can develop non-healing wounds and ulcers on your feet.
• Infections: If you are living with wounds or ulcers on your legs and feet, you are at higher risk of developing an infection.
• Stroke and heart attack: With PVD, your risk of Ataque al corazón and Carrera increases due to reduced blood flow to your heart and brain.