PVD vs. PAD: Key Differences & Symptoms

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and peripheral venous disease (PVD) may sound similar, but they are different conditions. While both do affect the vascular (circulatory) system and vessels around the heart, PAD and PVD don’t affect those parts of your body in the same way. Here’s what you should know about these conditions and the health of your veins.

The Differences Between PVD and PAD

Peripheral venous disease (also called peripheral vein disease, or PVD) refers to a problem with the veins, which are vessels that bring blood back to the heart.¹ Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects the arteries, vessels that take blood away from the heart while carrying much-needed oxygen to other parts of the body.¹ PAD results in those arteries becoming blocked or narrowed. 

PVD vs PAD Symptoms

The symptoms of PVD aren’t always significant. They can include signs such as small spider veins on the thighs or legs or an achy feeling. Other uncomfortable symptoms may develop as the disease progresses. They can include:¹

• Aches or heaviness in the legs
• Pain that increases when you’re in one position for an extended period of time
• Itchiness around the veins
• Swelling of the legs or feet
• Throbbing
• Muscle cramps
• Burning sensations

Symptoms of PAD aren’t always present in those with the condition. And around 50% of those with the condition don’t have symptoms at all. People with symptoms may experience:¹

• Pain in certain areas of the body at specific times of the day
• A weak pulse
• Gangrene
• Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in the legs
• Changes in the color or temperature of the skin
• Poor wound healing
• Hair loss

In terms of PVD vs. PAD pain, it’s more likely to have pain with PVD, but both can lead to pain in some cases. With any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek a medical diagnosis to receive appropriate treatment. 

What Causes PVD or PAD?

PVD has a few forms,² including chronic venous insufficiency and spider veins that can be caused by:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Type II diabetes
• High cholesterol

Those over the age of 50 as well as postmenopausal women are most likely to develop PVD². 

PAD occurs due to atherosclerosis.¹ As cholesterol, plaque, and other substances begin to build within the arteries, they become hardened and narrow. When enough of the plaque fills the artery, it’s possible to get a blockage that limits blood flow. 

Some other possible causes of PAD include:

• Damage to the arteries (such as injuries)
• Unusually shaped ligaments or muscles
• Infections

PVD vs. PAD Treatment

PVD treatments include methods that help improve blood flow, such as exercising, wearing compression stockings, and elevating the legs³. Medications can be used in some cases, or laser procedures may also help. Radiofrequency ablation could be another option. In acute cases, sclerotherapy or surgery may be used.¹ 

PAD treatments normally include medications such as antiplatelet or cholesterol drugs⁴. Exercise, healthy eating habits, and smoking cessation are advised. Some people need to have revascularization surgery or angioplasty. In acute cases, amputation is a possibility.¹

Get the Right Help for PVD and PAD

At My Vein Treatment, we can help you find a PAD or PVD specialist. Visit the vein specialist locator tool today to search for a specialist near you.

Sources:

1. WebMD. “Peripheral Artery Disease vs. Peripheral Venous Disease“
2. Yale Medicine. “Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)“
3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Peripheral Vascular Disease”
4. Mayo Clinic. “Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)”