Vascular

Facts About Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), also called peripheral artery disease, is a disorder of the blood vessels outside the heart and brain that prevents enough blood from getting to the limbs. The condition is caused by structural changes in the blood vessels, such as inflammation and tissue damage, and fatty deposits in the arteries that block normal blood flow (atherosclerosis). This build-up can increase the risk for heart attack or stroke. When the blood vessels that carry blood to the legs, arms, stomach or kidneys become too narrow, the result can be poor blood flow to the arms and legs. A common symptom of PVD is pain cramps in the legs muscles when walking or exercising.

Symptoms of Peripheral Vascular Disease:

  • Sores that are slow to heal
  • Foot pain while resting
  • Tightness in the calf, thigh or buttock during exertion
  • Decreased leg strength and function
  • Poor balance
  • Blue or purple marks on the legs, feet or toes
  • Ulcers on the feet or toes
  • Coldness or numbness in the feet or toes
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Feet and toes that become pale from exercise or when elevated
  • Loss of hair on the feet and toes
  • Feet that turn red when dangled
  • Gangrene infection, indicated by black skin on the legs or feet

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor. For a free referral to one of our board-certified physicians, visit our online physician finder or call the BayCare Customer Service Center at (727) 462-7500.

The Mease Countryside Hospital Vascular Program Education

Our goal is to educate our patients about the dangers of peripheral vascular disease and other vascular disorders. When you come to us for testing or treatment, our experienced team of clinical specialists will explain the disease, the screening process, and your treatments options. 

Screening and Diagnosis

Our Vascular Program offers an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening to determine your risk of an aneurysm forming along the lining of your arterial wall. Screenings are performed by clinical specialists who collaborate with your primary care physician. If our specialists detect a problem or determine that you are at risk, our board-certified specialists are ready to provide you with the care you require. To schedule a screening, call (727) 461-8555.

Treatments

We utilize the latest  technology and state-of-the-art equipment in order to provide you with the most comprehensive care possible. If additional treatment is needed, we can help you find a board-certified physician.

Services offered include:

  • Vascular diagnostic ultrasound
  • CT angiography
  • Diagnostic carotid angiograms
  • Abdominal aortagrams
  • Heart catheterizations
  • Temporary pacemaker insertions
  • Intra-aortic balloon pump insertions
  • Inferior vena cava filter insertions
  • Femoral, renal and pelvic angiograms
  • Peripheral angioplasty
  • Peripheral stenting

Follow-up

Our team will call you 10 and 30 days after your visit to see how you're doing. We want to make sure you were able to see your doctor, if necessary, as well as answer any questions you have about your treatment or condition.

Mease Countryside Hospital
3231 McMullen Booth Rd.
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 725-6111
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