Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) means plaque has built up in
your arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow. "PVD
mainly affects the legs, where it can cause pain when walking,"
explains Michael Bezuevsky, D.O., a vascular surgeon on staff at
Lutheran Medical Center. "It raises your risk for narrowed heart
arteries, heart attack and stroke." The Risk Factors for PVD
High blood sugar due to insulin resistance or diabetes is a
major risk factor for PVD. Smoking and older age raise your
risk, too, and so does having high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, heart disease, or a personal or family history of
stroke or other cardiovascular conditions. "Talk with your
doctor to determine if you need blood pressure or blood flow
tests to check for PVD," advises Dr. Bezuevsky. "Let your doctor
know if you have any PVD symptoms, such as leg pain or numbness
when you walk, sores on your legs or feet that don't heal well,
or legs that are paler or cooler than normal." Dr. Bezuevsky
recommends lifestyle changes such