Vascular and Interventional   What is Peripheral Vascular Disease? Peripheral Vascular disease (PVD) is a condition in which the arteries that carry blood to the arms and legs become narrowed or clogged, slowing or stopping blood flow. PVD is caused by atheroscerosis or "hardening of the arteries." Atheroscerosis is a gradual process in which cholesterol and scar tissue build up inside the artery, forming a substance called "plaque" that clogs the artery. The most common symptom of PVD is pain in the leg or the hip, particularly when walking. The pain tends to improve after you stop walking. Other less frequent symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and weakness in your leg. In severe cases, patients may experience a burning or aching in their foot or toes at rest, or develop a sore on the leg or foot that doesn't heal. If left untreated, these sores can become infected. In extreme cases, untreated PVD can lead to gangrene, a serious condition that may require amputation of a leg or foot. Factors that predispose you to PVD include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease, or being over weight. If you have PVD, you are also at higher risk for heart disease and stroke. How is PVD treated?