Peripheral vascular disease (also known as peripheral artery disease) is a circulation disorder that occurs when blood vessels outside of the heart become blocked, narrowed or damaged. In the videos below, experts at Rush University Medical Center answer some frequently asked questions about this condition. (Double click to view a larger video.)
Gary Schaer, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Rush University Medical Center, explains the risk factors for perphieral vascular disease and discusses stragegies for preventing it.
In this video, Schaer explains the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease. The most common symptom, called claudication, is a squeezing, burning or tired feeling that develops in either the calves or the thighs.
Some people with peripheral vascular disease may not experience symptoms, Schaer explains in this video, so patients at high risk for peripheral vascular disease should get regular check-ups.
Chad Jacobs, MD, a vascular surgeon at Rush, explains the range of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options available to people with peripheral vascular disease.
In this video, Jacobs discusses the crucial role that patients can play in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. "The body is a wonderful creation," he says, "and with risk factor modification your body can grow new channels around the blockages."
Jacobs explains in this video how peripheral vascular disease is treated at Rush by an interdisciplinary team of specialists, including interventional cardiologists, interventional radiologists, and vascular and endovascular surgeons.
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