PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE

- Scarring and narrowing of the peripheral blood

vessels
Pathophysiology

Arteries Veins
pump oxygen away vacuuming blood
from the heart and back up to the heart
out to the body into the vena cava
Oxygenated – High Unoxygenated – low
Pressure Pressure

Due to lack of oxygen or

elevated legs – low flow

PVD PAD
Problem Problem Pumping
vacuuming (WORST!)
Not oxygen Oxygen problem that
problem since narrowed arteries Severe Stage
arteries working (Ischemia/Necrosis
correctly tissue death) Prioritization (emergency!!) = O2 Problem
- Low blood flow - Loss of life – ABC
- Low oxygen - Loss of limb
- Low – No pulse (cold - Injury Risk
legs, sharp pain when
walking)
 2. Diabetes – tearing and stretching BV apart
3. High cholesterol - >200 stiff and hard BV
4. High BP (HTN) – >140/90 stress and tears
in BV

Diagnostic tests (Labs & Imaging)

 Doppler Ultrasound
Weak or - Gives up-close on how narrow vessels are
Diminished  ABI (Artery Brachial Index)
- Works only on PAD
- Comparing pressure in the arm and leg (If
pressure in the leg is Lower something
blocking blood flow (PAD)

Pharmacology
Goal: Open Blood Vessels

Treatments
Nursing Intervention

- Prevents platelets from clumping and

forming clots

- Free from cholesterol

Causes of PVD

1. Smoking – scars the lining of the BV

Patient Education

RAYNAUD’S DISEASE

BUERGER’S DISEASE