Pathophysiology of peripheral vascular disease
In peripheral disease, peripheral tissues don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients to survive and do their functions. Ischemic cells respond to the lack of oxygen by releasing adenosine, which is a signaling molecule that affects nerves and causes pain. Severe lack of oxygen can cause tissue death (gangrene).
According to how the peripheral vascular disease occurs, we can classify it into two types:
1. Organic PVD: It means a reduction of blood flow due to abnormality in the blood vessel structure, such as in atherosclerosis, where the plaques interfere with blood flow.
2. Functional PVD: It means narrowing of the blood vessels due to constriction of the smooth muscle in its wall. Under normal conditions, the nervous system affects the blood vessels, either constrict or dilate it, but peripheral vascular disease aggravates thee vasoconstriction, such as in stress and cold temperature.
Clinical presentation of the peripheral vascular disease depends on:
- The affected blood vessel
- Sudden ischemia (embolus) or thrombus developed gradually over time
- Presence of collateral circulation in the site of occlusion
⇒ Now, let’s discuss the clinical picture of peripheral vascular disease.
