Peripheral Vascular Disease - Rush University Medical Center, Chicago IL



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Peripheral Vascular Disease

What is peripheral vascular disease (peripheral artery disease)?

Peripheral vascular disease, also referred to as peripheral artery disease, is a circulation disorder. It involves disease in any of the blood vessels outside of the heart and diseases of the lymph vessels. Often, it is a narrowing of the blood vessels that carry blood to leg and arm muscles.

What are the different types of peripheral vascular disease?

not organic in cause

does not involve defects in the structure of the blood vessels

causes short-term effects

For example: Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition in which the smallest arteries that bring blood to the fingers or toes constrict (go into spasm) when exposed to cold or as the result of emotional upset. Most common in women between the ages of 18 and 30.

caused by structural changes, such inflammation and tissue damage, in the blood vessels

For example: Buerger's (thromboangiitis obliterans), a chronic inflammatory condition found chiefly in the peripheral arteries and veins of the extremities. Most common in men between the ages of 20 and 40 who smoke cigarettes. Symptoms include pain in the legs or feet, clammy and cold skin, and a diminished sense of heat and cold.

Heart and Vascular Health Services at
Rush University Medical Center

At Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, cardiologists, surgeons, researchers and nurse specialists work in teams to address the full scope of heart problems, whether common or complex. Working in state-of-the art facilities, using some of the world’s most sophisticated technology, these experts are on the leading edge of diagnosis, treatment and discovery. From preventive measures to heart transplantation, they are helping to revolutionize heart care.

For more information about the heart services at Rush visit our Heart & Vascular Programs home page.

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