Peripheral vascular disease is the term used to describe a circulation disorder that affects any of the blood vessels outside of the heart or brain as well as disease of the lymph vessels. It is most often a narrowing of the blood vessels that is associated with atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. However, chronic inflammatory conditions, tissue injury, or spastic conditions can also cause peripheral vascular disease. Diabetes, hypertension and smoking are major contributing factors. In addition to the specific arterial and venous conditions detailed in other sections, the following four items are discussed in more detail below.

• Lymphedema/Venous Lymphatic Disorder
• Atherosclerosis
• Gangrene
• Wound care