The full form of PVD is peripheral vascular disease.
Understanding Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a condition that affects the blood vessels outside of the heart. According to the provided reference, it's a slow and progressive disorder characterized by narrowing, blockage, or spasms in these vessels. This can impact arteries, veins, or lymphatic vessels.
Key Aspects of PVD:
- Slow and Progressive: PVD develops gradually over time.
- Impacts Blood Vessels: It affects blood vessels outside the heart, not the heart itself.
- Various Issues: Narrowing, blockage, or spasms within blood vessels are common.
- Broad Reach: It can affect arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels throughout the body.
Types of Blood Vessels Affected
PVD can affect different types of blood vessels including:
| Vessel Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Arteries | Vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. |
| Veins | Vessels that carry blood back to the heart. |
| Lymphatic | Vessels that carry lymph fluid. |
Implications of PVD
Because PVD impacts how blood flows throughout the body, it can have significant health implications. These may vary based on the location and severity of the affected blood vessels.
Example of PVD
An example of PVD is peripheral artery disease (PAD), where arteries in the legs and feet are narrowed or blocked.
