The reduced muscular stress diminishes pain and fatigue. Diet - Low fat diets are the rule for those who wish to decrease the buildup of arterial plaque. Diabetes control - Diabetics are doubly at risk for PVD progression. Anti-diabetic dietary regimens and medications are essential. While exercise can lower blood pressure, PVD patients are often given blood pressure medications for symptomatic relief.
Patients walk until claudication occurs, rest until it subsides, and then resume walking.
In the first two stages, oral medications in concert with strict lifestyle changes can be beneficial. It allows oxygenating red blood cells to travel further into miniscule blood vessels. Pletal - The newest medication recommended for treatment of PVD, it lessens the pain of claudication through mechanisms similar to Trental. Papverine - A popular vasodilator sometimes suggested by general practitioners, Papverine is seldom used by experts in the field, says McCartney. Angioplasty - A balloon is inserted into the diseased artery.