PAD/PVD is a medical condition defined by a narrowing of the peripheral arteries, most commonly in the arteries of the pelvis and legs. PAD/PVD is usually caused by atherosclerosis, where plaque made up of deposits of fats, cholesterol and other substances grows large enough to significantly reduce the blood's flow through an artery. If a blockage develops in the peripheral arteries, it can cause pain, changes in skin color, sores or ulcers and difficulty walking. Many people with PAD/PVD have no symptoms or mistake their symptoms for something else. In severe cases, where there is a total loss of circulation to the legs and feet, gangrene and loss of a limb can occur.

Some PAD/PVD patients experience a cramp-like pain (called "intermittent claudication"), when walking, climbing stairs or exercising. This is the muscles' way of warning the body that it isn't receiving enough blood during exercise to meet the increased demand. Typically this “cramp-like” pain goes away when you stop exercising, although this may take a few minutes. Working muscles need more blood flow. Resting muscles can get by with less.

PAD/PDV Prevalence

The prevalence of PAD/PVD in the general population is 12–14%. As one becomes older their chances of developing PAD/PVD increases to 20% by the age of 70 and onward. Approximately 1 in 3 diabetics over the age of 50 will develop PAD/PAD. For those who suffer from PAD, there is a 20% or higher risk of suffering a coronary event over a 10 year time span. Approximately 70%–80% of affected individuals are initially asymptomatic. Despite its prevalence and cardiovascular risk implications, only 25% of PAD patients are undergoing treatment. Roughly 4% of PAD/PVD patients will have severe blockages that lead to amputations.

Risk Factors for PAD/PDV

• Smoking. Smokers may have four times the risk of PAD than non-smokers.
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Physical inactivity
• High blood cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Being overweight
• Family history of atherosclerosis

PAD/PVD Symptoms

• Painful cramping in your hip, thigh or calf muscles after walking (Intermittent Claudication)
• Leg numbness or weakness
• Coldness in your lower leg or foot
• Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won't heal
• Pale or bluish color of your feet or legs
• Hair loss or slower hair growth on your feet and legs
• Slower toenail growth
• Shiny skin on your legs
• No pulse or a weak pulse in your legs or feet

Traditional PAD/PVD Treatments

• Walking programs
• Surgery (angioplasty, bypass, stent placement, atherectomy
• Smoking cessation
• Healthy diet
• Management of diabetes
• Management of hypertension
• Medications (minimal effectiveness)
• Management of cholesterol

How The Venowave Can Help

PAD/PVD Patients have traditionally been an underserved population with very few alternatives- until today.

The Venowave VW5 is a medical device that has been statistically proven to improve circulation in the lower extremities. Several medical case studies have demonstrated significant results in increasing walking distance and decreasing pain caused by intermittent claudication in PAD/PVD patients.

The Venowave VW5 is applied to the back of the calf and mimics the body’s venous system increasing blood circulation in both the veins and arteries of the lower leg. By increasing circulation, the Venowave VW5 draws a higher level of oxygen to the lower legs, preventing ischemia and muscle cramps from occurring while improving walking distance. The Venowave VW5 is unique because it is lightweight (250g, less then ½ pound), discreet (can easily be worn under pants or skirts) and allows patients to remain completely mobile. There are no wires, tubes or sleeves.