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Peripheral Vascular Disease
As we age, fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances build up in our arteries as plaque. Plaque can narrow and stiffen the arteries — called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. The plaque limits blood flow, which can cause heart disease or other serious problems throughout the body. Smokers and people with high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes are more prone to atherosclerosis.
Peripheral vascular disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries to the legs, cutting off blood supply. Many people with PVD have no symptoms or very subtle symptoms they might discover while visiting their doctor for another problem. More advanced PVD can cause pain, fatigue and difficulty walking even short distances.
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