Peripheral Vascular Disease: An Insight

The phrase “death starts in the legs” is a real medical observation; declining leg strength and mobility are often early warning signs of health problems and aging-related decline. Leg strength predicts longevity.[1] This phrase metaphorically and literally emphasizes the critical connection between leg health and overall well-being and longevity. Declining leg strength and poor circulation in the lower limbs are often early warning signs of underlying serious systemic health problems.[2]

Peripheral vascular diseases (PVDs) encompass a group of disorders involving arteries and veins outside the heart and brain. Both arterial and venous disorders share common determinants—aging, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and metabolic comorbidities—yet their complications are different. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) culminates in ischemia, gangrene, and amputation, while peripheral venous disease leads to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), varicose veins characterized by chronic edema, pigmentation, ulceration, superficial thrombophlebitis, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Publication History

Article published online:
16 December 2025

• References

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