What causes PVD and intermittent claudication?
PVD and intermittent claudication are caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a gradual process in which cholesterol and scar tissue build up inside the artery, forming a substance called “plaque” that clogs the artery. PVD symptoms also can develop when a blood clot forms in the artery. Q: Why does PVD occur? A: It is not know for certain why PVD occurs. Factors that contribute to the disease include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, a family history of heart or vascular disease, or being over weight. Q: What can be done to stop the progression of PVD? A: In some cases PVD can be successfully controlled by certain lifestyle changes, such as exercise programs and dieting to lose weight and lower blood cholesterol. The single most important thing you can do to slow PVD is to stop smoking. Q: How is PVD treated? A: When lifestyle changes alone are not enough to control the symptoms of PVD, there are a number of treatment options
