peripheral vascular disease (PVD or PAD)

introduction

peripheral arterial disease (PAD or PVD) is a common problem in the middle aged and elderly who have atherosclerosis and primary prevention
the risk factors are the same as atherosclerosis and primary prevention
patients may present with:
- acute limb ischaemia with or without prior symptoms
- intermittent claudication, and then as it becomes more severe:
  - poor wound healing and chronic arterial ulcers
  - diminished hair and nail growth
  - dependent rubor (pallor or cyanosis)
  - rest pain worse when the limb is elevated
  - gangrene