What is the Difference Between PVD and PAD?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) lies in the blood vessels they affect and their causes. Here are the key differences:
- Affected blood vessels: PAD specifically affects the arteries, while PVD can affect any blood vessel outside of the heart and brain, including arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels.
- Causes: PAD is primarily caused by plaque buildup, leading to atherosclerosis, while PVD can have multiple causes, including atherosclerosis, blood clots, inflammation, and infection.
Both PAD and PVD are progressive disorders that limit the flow of oxygenated blood by blocking or narrowing blood vessels. They share similar symptoms, such as pain, cramping, numbness, and tingling in the legs and feet. However, PAD causes structural damage to the walls of the arteries due to the accumulation of fat, commonly known as plaque, while PVD does not.
Treatment options for PVD and PAD vary depending on the severity and specific cause of the condition. They may include medication to improve blood flow or dilate blood vessels, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, minimally invasive treatments. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for both PAD and PVD to prevent the disease from progressing and causing further complications.
Comparative Table: PVD vs PAD
The main difference between Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) lies in the affected blood vessels and their causes. PAD specifically affects the arteries in the legs, while PVD can affect any blood vessel outside of the heart and brain. PAD is caused by plaque buildup, whereas PVD can have multiple causes, including atherosclerosis, blood clots, inflammation, and infection. Here is a table summarizing the key differences between PAD and PVD:
| Characteristic | PAD | PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Affected blood vessels | Arteries | Arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels |
| Common causes | A buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis) | Atherosclerosis, blood clots, blood vessel inflammation, infections, deep vein thrombosis, and venous insufficiency |
| Common symptoms | Pain, cramping, numbness, and tingling in the legs and feet; non-healing sores; changes in skin color and temperature in the affected limbs | Pain, swelling, and heaviness in the legs; varicose veins; lower extremity weakness and fatigue when walking or standing |
PAD is a specific type of PVD, but PVD encompasses a wider range of disorders. Both PAD and PVD are progressive conditions that can lead to severe complications if left untreated.
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