What are the symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease?

Approximately 50 percent of patients with peripheral vascular disease have no symptoms. The classic symptom of PVD is “intermittent claudication”. Intermittent claudication is pain or cramping in the buttocks, thigh, or calf when walking, which stops when patient rests.

Claudication is reproducible, meaning it will come back when walking resumes. Patients may also complain of heaviness or weakness in the legs when walking. As the disease progresses, pain may persist even at rest. Ulcers may develop on the legs or feet.

Other symptoms of PVD include:

• Skin changes (thin, shiny, or discolored skin)
• Decreased skin temperature
• Diminished or absent pulses
• Hair loss or absence of hair growth
• Reddish-blue discoloration, or paleness of the limb when elevated
• Impotence
• Restricted mobility
• Thick, opaque toenails
• Non-healing wounds
• Gangrene (dead tissue due to lack of blood flow)