Abstract
The purpose of this report is to explain Peripheral Vascular Disease, how it causes gangrene and how the nurses diagnose and intervene in the treatment of this PVD.
Introduction
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) also known as peripheral arterial disease includes a group of diseases in which blood vessels become restricted or blocked. Typically, the patient has peripheral vascular disease from atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which fatty plaques form in the inside walls of blood vessels. Other processes, such as blood clots, then further restrict blood flow in the blood vessels. Both veins and arteries may be affected, but the disease is usually arterial. All the symptoms and consequences of peripheral vascular disease are related to restricted blood flow. Peripheral vascular disease is a progressive disease that can lead to gangrene of the affected area. Peripheral vascular disease may also occur suddenly if an embolism occurs or when a blot clot rapidly develops in a blood vessel already restricted by an atherosclerotic plaque, and the blood flow is quickly cut off. (Basoglu, M., et al. 1997)
Prevalence is high; in the United States, PAD has been estimated to affect between eight million and 12 million adults. Because this easily detected condition is a predictor of other systemic atherosclerotic diseases (including coronary artery disease), it should serve as a marker for patients who need more aggressive care. The objective of this review is to heighten primary care clinicians' awareness of the significance of PAD, the ease of screening for PAD, and the potential for enhancing quality of life and extending survival by aggressively treating members of this patient population.
In contrast to coronary and cerebral artery disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) remains an underappreciated condition. This manifestation of systemic atherosclerotic disease is associated with a significantly increased risk of death and ischemic events............
