The term peripheral vascular disease refers to partial or complete blockage of major vessels outside of the heart that supply blood to other important areas of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, arms and legs. There are two types: peripheral arterial disease and peripheral venous disorders.
Schematic diagram of the carotid artery that supplies blood to the brain. The upper right diagram is of a healthy carotid artery and the lower right diagram is of a carotid artery with an atherosclerotic plaque causing narrowing of the artery.
Schematic diagram demonstrating an atherosclerotic plaque causing a narrowing of the common iliac artery that supplies blood to the leg.
