Patients who have established disease affecting the blood vessels to the heart (coronary artery disease) are at increased risk of having a similar problem affecting the blood vessels elsewhere in the body, and vice versa. In the brain, this process predisposes the patients to the risk of stroke; in the kidneys, this can lead to kidney failure and high blood pressure; and in the legs, the end result will be pain associated with walking which improves with cessation of activity. The evaluation for presence of peripheral vascular disease is primarily symptom driven.
Cardiac Minute with Dr. Tehrani: Peripheral Vascular Disease (Video)
Watch an interview with a PVD patient (External Video)
