Arteriosclerosis vs Atherosclerosis
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosisatherosclerosis/basics/definition/con-20026972
Arteriosclerosis occurs when the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from the
heart to the rest of the body (arteries) become thick and stiff restricting blood flow to organs
tissues. Commonly called hardening of the arteries.
Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis, but the terms are sometimes used
interchangeably. Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other
substances in and on artery walls (plaques), which can restrict blood flow.
“Regular daily exercise is a primary intervention for all types of peripheral arterial disease to
promote development of collateral circulation and maintain tissue perfusion. Therefore, regular
progressively strenuous exercise (30-45 min daily walking) is important. Rest with beginning of
claudication, resume activities when pain resolves. (Lemone & Burke, 2008, p. 1176-77).
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
http://www.texasheart.org/HIC/Topics/Cond/pvd.cfm
Related terms: PVD, peripheral arterial disease, PAD, venous thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis,
DVT
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) involves damage to or blockage in the blood vessels
distant from your heart—the peripheral arteries and veins. Your peripheral arteries and veins
carry blood to and from your arm and leg muscles and the organs in and below your stomach
area. PVD may also affect the arteries leading to your head. When PVD affects only the arteries
and not the veins, it is called peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The main forms that PVD may
take include blood clots (for example, deep vein thrombosis or DVT), swelling (inflammation),
or narrowing and blockage of the blood vessels.
Diseases of the arteries may lead to:
 arterial blockage
including peripheral artery disease or PAD
 aortic aneurysms

Buerger’s disease

Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Disease of the veins may lead to:
 venous blood clots including deep vein thrombosis
 PE

phlebitis

varicose veins
Arterial Blockage
What causes arterial blockage?
PVD can result from a condition known as atherosclerosis, where plaque forms inside of the
arteries. Clogged peripheral arteries in the lower part of the body (also referred to as peripheral
artery disease or PAD) most often cause pain and cramping in the legs

phlebitis

varicose veins
Arterial Blockage
What causes arterial blockage?
PVD can result from a condition known as atherosclerosis, where plaque forms inside of the
arteries. Clogged peripheral arteries in the lower part of the body (also referred to as peripheral
artery disease or PAD) most often cause pain and cramping in the legs.
What are the symptoms and signs?
Patients may feel pain in their calves, thighs, or buttocks, depending on where the blockage is.
Usually, the amount of pain you feel is a sign of how severe the blockage is. In serious cases, toes
may turn a bluish color, feet may be cold, and the pulse in legs may be weak. In severe cases, the
tissue dies (this is called gangrene) and amputation may be needed.
Sometimes leg cramps develop when a person walks, and the leg pain usually gets worse with
increased activity. This cramping is called intermittent claudication. Like the chest pain of
angina, the leg pain of intermittent claudication usually goes away with rest. Cold temperatures
and some medicines may also cause leg pain.
The main risk factor for PAD is smoking. Other risk factors include older age and diseases like
diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Many people who have PAD don't have any symptoms. If you have symptoms, they may include

Pain, numbness, achiness, or heaviness in the leg muscles. This happens when walking or
climbing stairs.
Weak or absent pulses in the legs or feet

Sores or wounds on the toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly, poorly, or not at all

A pale or bluish color to the skin

A lower temperature in one leg than the other leg

Poor nail growth on the toes and decreased hair growth on the legs

Erectile dysfunction, especially among men who have diabetes

Lifestyle changes include dietary changes, exercise, and efforts to lower high cholesterol levels
and HTN.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/peripheralarterialdisease.html
What Is Peripheral Arterial Disease? (PAD)
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry
blood to your head, organs, and limbs. When plaque builds up in the body's arteries, the
condition is called atherosclerosis. Over time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries. This
limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and other parts of your body.
PAD usually affects the arteries in the legs, but it also can affect the arteries that carry blood from
your heart to your head, arms, kidneys, and stomach. This article focuses on P.A.D. that affects
blood flow to the legs.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry
blood to your head, organs, and limbs. When plaque builds up in the body's arteries, the
condition is called atherosclerosis. Over time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries. This
limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and other parts of your body.
PAD usually affects the arteries in the legs, but it also can affect the arteries that carry blood from
your heart to your head, arms, kidneys, and stomach. This article focuses on P.A.D. that affects
blood flow to the legs.
Although PAD is serious, it's treatable. If you have the disease, see your doctor regularly and
treat the underlying atherosclerosis.
PAD. treatment may slow or stop disease progress and reduce the risk of complications.
Treatments include lifestyle changes, medicines, and surgery or procedures. Researchers
continue to explore new therapies for P.A.D.
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pad/