Peripheral Vascular

Peripheral vascular or peripheral artery disease is a condition which affects the blood vessels. As a result, the arteries which supply blood to the legs and feet are hardened and narrowed. This narrowing process of the blood vessels leads to a decrease in the blood flow causing injury to the nerves and tissues.Peripheral vascular disease is caused by the hardening of arties or arteriosclerosis. This situation arises when the plaque (fatty material) builds up on the walls of the arteries causing the arteries to become smaller. Moreover, the walls of the arteries also become stiffer as a result of which it cannot widen in order to allow greater flow of blood when required. Therefore, when the muscles of the legs are working harder due to exercising or running, they are not able to get the required amount of blood and oxygen. Similarly, enough blood and oxygen may not be provided when the muscles are at rest.