Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a circulation issue that affects the veins and blood vessels outside of the brain and heart. PVD commonly strikes the veins that supply blood to the arms, legs, and organs situated beneath the stomach. These are the veins that are located away from the heart. They are known as peripheral vessels.

In PVD, the width of the veins get limited. Narrowing is normally created by arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a condition where plaque develops inside a vessel. It is additionally called 'solidifying of the arteries'. Plaque acts towards reducing the amount of blood and oxygen that is supplied to the arms and legs. As the plaque development advances, clumps may develop, which may further affect the vessel.

There are two main types of PVDs:

    Functional PVD: This doesn't include physical issues in the veins. It causes accidental side effects. Typically,these fits happen suddenly.
    Organic PVD: This includes changes in the vein structure. This sort of PVD causes irritation, tissue harm, and blockages.

The most well-known reasons for functional PVDs are as follows:

    Emotional stress
    Smoking
    Cold temperatures
    Operating Vibrating machinery

The common causes of such natural PVDs are given below:

    Smoking
    High circulatory strain
    Diabetes
    High cholesterol

The symptoms include the following:

    Cramps
    Achiness
    Fatigue
    Burning

Diagnosis:

PVD can be diagnosed using interventional radiology (IR).

IRis a sub-claim of radiology that gives an image-guided diagnosis, and if required, includes treatment of the organs as well.It has developed as a first-line treatment in the administration of PVD.

Advantages:

IR medications are for the most part less demanding for patients than surgery, since they include no surgical cut.They are less painful and have shorter stays at the hospital. By and large, the patients are discharged on the same day the procedure is done. This mainly includes angioplasty and stenting. The procedure is as follows:

    Utilising imaging for direction, the interventional radiologist puts a catheter through the femoral artery in the crotch to the blocked vein in the legs.
    At that point, the interventional radiologist expands a balloon to open the vein that is blocked.
    Sometimes it is opened with a tiny metallic cylinder called astent.
    This is a treatment that does not require surgery; only a scratch in the skin the extent of a pencil tip.

Alternative measure:

Angioplasty and stenting have totally replaced invasive surgical methods. Early trials have proven IR to be as successful as surgery for some blood vessel and artery impairments. Earlier, extensive clinical experience demonstrated that stenting and angioplasty are favoured as first-line treatments for more procedures all through the body .

Doctors as well as patients who have been through the same, believe that IR is much better for PVD than invasive surgery, since it reduces the risk of infection.

Diagnosing Peripheral Vascular Diseases With Interventional Radiology

Varicose veins are known to be a very common problem, which result in the inflammation of veins in the body. Veins are the blood vessels, which are responsible for the transfer of deoxygenated blood from the different parts of the body to the heart. Because the blood does not contain oxygen, it has a bluish tinge. As a result varicose veins are most likely to appear bluish when swollen. 
This condition is quite common in old people and some are even likely to develop slight ulcers in the vein. 
Homeopathic treatment for varicose veins
Certain homeopathic drugs are said to work wonders for this condition, as they not only offer pain relief, but also make the veins more elastic. This helps with effective circulation and thus, the swelling reduces. The following is a list of some homeopathic medicines that work best to cure varicose veins.
1. Hamamelis
It is known to be the best cure for varicose veins. It effectively stops any sort of bleeding from the veins. It also offers relief from pain and from a sensation of heaviness of the legs. 

2. Pulsatilla
This medicine is greatly recommended for women who develop varicose veins during the course of their pregnancy. It immediately does away with the pain. The medicine especially works well for swollen veins of the legs and the hands. Application of a cold pack also helps relieve the pain and reduce swelling. 

3. Calcarea
It is generally recommended to patients who have varicose veins, but do not suffer from any pain. In case the patient feels chilly and suffers from various other symptoms like some sort of burning sensation in the veins or cold hand and feet, calcarea is a good cure. 

4. Graphites
It is known to be a great cure for varicose veins that is accompanied with some amount of itching and cramping. 

5. Arnica
This homeopathic medicine effectively deals with varicose veins accompanied with symptoms like soreness and bruising.

5 Best Homeopathic Remedies for Varicose Veins Ulcers

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Blood clots can arise anywhere in your body. They develop when blood thickens and clumps together. When a clot forms in a vein deep in the body, it's called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Deep vein blood clots typically occur in the lower leg or thigh. But if your symptoms stem from a blood clot deep in your leg, it can be dangerous. Blood clots can happen to anyone, anytime. But some people are at increased risk. Therefore, they should immediately consult with vein specialist to avoid blood clot forming in the veins which can help avoid potentially serious problems.

DVT Symptoms:

"Deep vein thrombosis has classic symptoms - for example, swelling, pain, warmth, and redness on the leg," says Dr. Rajendra Bansal, a DVT treatment expert in Jaipur.  But about 30 40% of cases go unnoticed since they don't have typical symptoms.  In fact, some people don't realize they have a deep vein clot until it causes a more serious condition.

Deep Vein Clots:

DVT symptoms include deep vein clots - especially those in the thigh - can break off and travel through the bloodstream. If a clot lodges in an artery in the lungs, it can block blood flow and lead to a sometimes-deadly condition called pulmonary embolism. This disorder can damage the lungs and reduce blood oxygen levels, which can harm other organs as well.

Some people are more at risk for deep vein thrombosis than others. "Usually people who develop deep vein thrombosis have some level of thrombophilia, which means their blood clots more rapidly or easily," Dr. Bansal says, a DVT specialist in Jaipur. Getting a blood clot is usually the first sign of this condition because it s hard to notice otherwise. In these cases, lifestyle can contribute to a blood clot forming if you don t move enough, for example. Your risk is higher if you ve recently had surgery or broken a bone if you re ill and in bed for a long time, or if you're traveling for a long time (such as during long car or airplane rides).

Other Symptoms:

Having other diseases or conditions can also raise your chances of a blood clot. These include a stroke, paralysis (an inability to move), chronic heart disease, high blood pressure, surgical procedure, or having been recently treated for cancer. Women who take hormone therapy pills or birth control pills are pregnant, or within the first 6 weeks after giving birth are also at higher risk. So are those who smoke or who are older than 60. But deep vein thrombosis can happen at any age.

Chronic vs Acute DVT:

Chronic DVT refers to long-standing venous thrombosis present for more than 28 days.  It can either permanently block the vein or it can adhere to the wall of the vein.  Chronic DVT that doesn t block the vein can still cause long-term problems known as Post Thrombotic syndrome which occurs due to pooling of blood in legs by gravity as the protective valves are damaged or destroyed. Patient symptoms are:

Leg swelling after standing for long periods
Aching pain
Varicose veins
Skin ulcers in severe cases.
Acute DVT refers to venous thrombosis for which symptoms have been present for 14 days or less. The symptoms of acute DVT are sudden limb swelling and pain. During this period the clot is soft and easily treated with clot-dissolving drugs. The period between 14-28 days is called Sub-acute DVT.

Clues of a Clot:

Seek DVT treatment if you have these symptoms. They may signal a deep vein clot or pulmonary embolism:

Swelling of the leg or along a vein in the leg
Pain or tenderness in the leg, which you may feel only when standing or walking
Increase in warmth in the area of the leg that s swollen or painful
Red or discolored skin on the leg
Unexplained shortness of breath
Pain with deep breathing
Coughing up blood
A prompt diagnosis and a proper DVT treatment can help prevent the complications of blood clots. See your doctor immediately if you have any signs or symptoms of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. A physical exam and other tests can help doctors determine whether you ve got a blood clot.

Your doctor will diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT) based on your medical history, a physical exam, and the color Doppler ultrasound or sometime may require CT or MRI. He or she will identify your risk factors and rule out other causes of your symptoms. After analyzing the risk factors, the doctor will tell you whether you need an immediate DVT treatment or not.

DVT Treatment

There are many ways in Deep Vein Thrombosis treatment. DVT treatment process includes medicines, certain devices, and therapies. The main goals of DVT treatment include:

Stopping the blood clot from getting bigger
To dissolve the already formed clot
Preventing the blood clot from breaking off and moving to your lungs
Reducing your chance of having another blood clot
To prevent long-term complication known as Post Thrombotic Syndrome.
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners):

These are the most common medicines in DVT treatment. These medicines decrease your blood s ability to clot. They also stop existing blood clots from getting bigger. However, blood thinners can t break up blood clots that have already formed. (The body dissolves most blood clots with time.)

Blood thinners are taken either as a pill, an injection under the skin, or through a needle or tube inserts into a vein (called intravenous or IV injection). There are different types of  Blood thinner. The choice of anticoagulant depends upon multiple factors, including the preference of the patient and the healthcare provider, the patient s medical history and other conditions, and cost considerations.

Initial anticoagulation is continued for 5 to 10 days. After that, long-term anticoagulation is continued for 3 to 12 months depending upon the patient profile, length of vessel involvement and risk of recurrence. In some patient where permanent risk factor like a congenital cause or cancer lifelong anticoagulation may require.

Other available treatments, which are for specific situations, include thrombolytic therapy or placing a filter in a major blood vessel (the inferior vena cava).

Thrombolysis (Clot-Busting DVT Treatment):

Minimally invasive procedures in DVT treatment are performed by an interventional radiologist under X-ray Guidance, if a patient has severe pain, difficulty in walking, significant swelling while on blood thinners, or if there is clot blocking the pelvic veins (iliac veins).  When performed early, thrombolysis is highly effective at dissolving a clot and preserving the valves in the veins.

It is designed to rapidly break up the clot, restore blood flow within the vein, and potentially preserve valve function to minimize the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome. The interventional radiologist inserts a tiny tube called catheter into the vein behind the knee or other leg vein and threads it into the vein containing the clot using x-ray guidance. The catheter tip is placed into the clot and a  clot-busting  drug is infused directly to the thrombus (clot) followed by clot removal by special devices. The fresher the clot, the faster it dissolves   one to two days. Clinical resolution of pain and swelling and restoration of blood flow in the vein is greater than 85 percent with these invasive techniques.  In patients in whom thrombolysis or blood thinners are not medically appropriate, an interventional radiologist can insert a vena cava filter, a small device that functions as an umbrella to capture blood clots that would float to the lung, but allows normal liquid blood to pass.

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS PREVENTION:

You can take simple steps to lower your chances for a blood clot:

Exercise your lower leg muscles if you re sitting for a long time while traveling.
Get out of bed and move around as soon as you re able after having surgery or being ill.
The more active you are, the better your chance of avoiding a blood clot.
Take any medicines your doctor prescribes to prevent clots after some types of surgery.
Wear compression stocking to prevent complication or recurrence as per instruction.
Keep regular follow-up with your doctor to avoid or prevent post DVT complication.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS:

Patients being treated for venous thrombosis are at an increased risk for developing another blood clot. The patient should watch for new onset leg pain or swelling. If these symptoms occur, the patient should speak to his/her health care provider or seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Risk of bleeding is high with anticoagulant so dose should not change unless the provider or clinic directs the patient to do so.
Patients may bleed easily from anywhere while taking anticoagulants. In some cases, bleeding can develop inside the body and can t notice immediately. Bleeding inside the body can cause a person to feel faint, or have pain in the back or abdomen. A healthcare provider should be notified immediately if there is any sign of this problem.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - Symptoms,Treatment & Prevention

Varicose veins are a condition marked by enlarged or gnarled veins. This typically affects the veins in the feet and legs. In most cases, varicose veins are a mere cosmetic concern but in some cases, it can be quite uncomfortable and painful. If left untreated, it can also lead to further complications.

Varicose veins may be caused by a lack of elasticity in the veins causing blood to pool in them and flow backwards. This blood is deoxygenated and hence the veins appear blue. Women have a higher risk of suffering from varicose veins as compared to men. This risk also increases with age and weight. Pregnancy can also cause varicose veins. 

The most common symptoms of this condition are:

Visible veins just under the surface of the skin
Veins that appear blue and gnarled
A dull ache in the legs
Throbbing or burning sensation in the calves
Pain in the legs that worsens after standing or sitting in the same position for a long time
Itching around the veins
Bleeding veins
Inflammation of the skin or ulcers around the ankles
Red or blue spider veins
What steps to maintain once you have undergone the sugery

Keeping the legs raised or wear compression stockings can relieve the pain associated with varicose veins and prevent the condition from worsening. 
Exercise can also help improve blood circulation. If these home remedies are not effective, the patient may need to consult a doctor.
Women with a family history of varicose veins should also avoid wearing high heels and tight stockings.
Complications caused by varicose veins are rare. However, some people may experience bleeding on the surface of the skin. There are chances that the veins deep inside the muscle may get twisted which may lead to the swelling of the calf muscles. Varicose veins may also cause painful ulcers around the ankles and is a result of the buildup of fluid around the ankles.

All the complication must be reported to the doctor at the earliest to prevent the condition from worsening.

Varicose Veins - Know The Signs Of The Condition!

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged superficial veins that typically appear in the feet and legs.
For many people, the condition is simply a cosmetic concern while for others varicose veins include symptoms like swelling, discomfort and aching.

What Causes Varicose Veins?
Doctors believe that damaged or weak valves may cause varicose veins. Arteries carry oxygenated blood from your heart to other parts of the body and the veins send it back to your heart for recirculation. The veins of your lower body need to work against gravity in order to return the blood to your heart.
Muscle contractions in the extremities act as pumps while the elastic vein walls send blood back to the heart. Small valves open in your veins as blood flows to your heart, and then close again to prevent the blood from flowing back. If these valves become damaged or weak, blood may flow back and accumulate in the veins, causing it to twist or stretch.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins
You may experience the following signs if you have varicose veins  
  Discoloration of the veins   usually they appear blue or dark purple
  Legs feel heavy
  Itching around the affected veins
  Muscle cramps
  A throbbing, burning sensation
  Swelling and bruising
  Discomfort and pain the veins of the legs

The symptoms of varicose veins are quite prominent and require treatment. If the condition is not that severe, exercises and compression stockings may be prescribed to manage the symptoms. However, if you are looking for a long-term cure, laser treatment may be the best option for you.

Can Laser Treatment Cure Varicose Veins?
Your doctor may use highly focused laser beams to treat varicose veins. The laser emits heat, which forms scar tissues. The scar tissue closes the vein so it loses its source of blood and eventually dies. In a year or two, the vein is likely to disappear.

Here are the different types of laser treatment you can opt for  
  Simple Laser Treatment   The laser beams are focused on the outer surface of the skin. It helps cure the tiny veins that are located just beneath the skin. Normally, more than one session of laser treatment is required. Your doctor may schedule you for a session every 6-12 weeks.

  Endovenous Laser Treatment   This type of laser treatment is directed towards treating larger varicose veins that appear in the legs. The doctor passes a laser fiber through a catheter (a long, thin tube) into the veins. While doing this, he/she keeps a close watch on the veins through a duplex ultrasound screen.

Laser treatment is less painful than other procedures like vein stripping and ligation. The entire procedure can be done while you are on local anesthesia or sedatives. Moreover, the time for recovery is relatively short. You can expect to get back to your routine activities in a week or two following laser treatment.

Laser Treatment For Varicose Vein!

Vascular disorders are disorders of the vessels in your body that carry either blood or waste products. The vascular system consists of the arteries (that carry blood away from the heart), veins (that carry blood to the heart) and lymph vessels (that carry waste products to be excreted from the body). The various diseases of the vascular or circulatory system are:

Peripheral Artery Disease: Peripheral arteries carry blood to the various organs and tissues in the body. Accumulation of cholesterol and fat in the vessels narrow the pathway for the blood to flow. This can impair blood flow to the tissues in the body and cause complications. Various medications used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure can also be used for peripheral artery disease.
Buerger's Disease: This disease causes obstructions in the veins and arteries in the legs. This can hamper blood supply in the toes and the feet. It causes pain and may require amputation in severe cases. Treatments for this disease include smoking cessation and medications to dilute blood vessels.
Aneurysm: An aneurysm is swelling in the blood vessel walls; it usually occurs in the aorta. The artery walls become fragile and are placed under a lot of stress; this may lead to a sudden rupture of the aortic vessels. This disorder is usually treated by surgical procedures.
Peripheral Venous Disease: Peripheral venous disease is characterized by damage to the valves that allows blood to flow in a single direction. Damaged valves can cause blood to flow backwards and therefore, accumulate. Treatments for this disorder are incorporating certain lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking and alcohol.
Blood clots in the veins: Blood clots may occur in the veins present inside the muscles of the thighs and lower legs which lead to deep vein thrombosis. You may be prescribed anti-coagulants, also known as blood thinners, to treat this disorder.
Causes
People with diseases such diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney failure can be more likely to have vessel problems. Working with vibrating tools, being in cold temperatures, and smoking can worsen vascular problems. Causes of vascular disorders usually fit into one of 5 groups:

Traumatic, which occur after injury
Compressive, which occur when the pipes flatten
Occlusive, which occur when pipes are blocked
Tumors (growths) or malformations (deformed, tangled pipes), which may or may not be present at birth
Vessel spasms, which occur when abnormal control of vessels causes them to narrow
Symptoms
Symptoms of vascular disorders can include:

Pain
Abnormal color changes in the fingertips
Ulcers or wounds that do not heal
Hand problems when in cold temperatures or locations
Numbness or tingling of the fingertips
Swelling
Cool or cold fingers and/or hands

5 Common Vascular Disorders

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