Hypertension and peripheral vascular disease: what to know

Peripheral vascular disease affects blood vessels outside the heart and brain, often in the legs. Narrowed arteries may cause aching or cramping in the calf, thigh, or buttock during walking that eases with rest. The feet may feel colder, look paler, or develop wounds that heal slowly. High blood pressure is one factor that strains the artery lining; smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and excess weight can add to vascular risk. It is also possible to have peripheral vascular disease without obvious symptoms. A clinician may compare pulses, examine the skin, and arrange circulation testing.

Arrange a medical review if leg discomfort repeatedly appears with walking, or if a foot wound is slow to heal. Bring a list of medicines and home blood-pressure readings if you have them. Take prescribed blood-pressure treatment as directed, and do not stop it because a reading improves. Ask about a walking plan suited to you, smoking support, nutrition, diabetes checks, and cholesterol management. Protect the feet from injury and check them regularly, especially if sensation is reduced.

Seek emergency help for a suddenly cold, pale, blue, numb, or severely painful limb, or for new weakness or inability to move it. Urgent assessment is also needed for a spreading foot infection, blackened skin, or a wound with rapidly worsening pain. Chest pressure, severe breathlessness, or sudden facial drooping and speech trouble require emergency care as well.

Could my leg symptoms reflect reduced circulation, and what examination or test would clarify this? What blood-pressure target and monitoring routine suit me? Should my medicines or activity plan change? Which foot changes should prompt same-day advice?