Discussion Question
Discuss one Possible Peripheral Vascular Complication from Pregnancy. Is there a way to prevent this Possible Complication or Treat it?
Peripheral vascular diseases are a set of conditions that primarily affect other blood vessels, apart from those in the brain and the heart (Tendera et al., 2011). PVDs are mostly as a result of narrowed arteries and veins, which restricts the efficient supply of the blood and nutrients to all parts of the body. People with hyperlipidemia, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes are more predisposed to peripheral vascular diseases, compared to those that do not have those medical conditions. Also, smokers, pregnant women, and inactive people are at a high risk of acquiring the conditions.
One possible peripheral vascular complication from pregnancy is atherosclerosis. According to Frostegård (2013), atherosclerosis is a peripheral vascular disease caused by the gradual and slow accumulation of cholesterol on the walls of the arteries. This accumulation consequently leads to the narrowing of the arteries, which means that they are unable to efficiently supply blood and oxygen to the extremities. The insufficient supply of blood and nutrients throughout the body leads to ischemia. However, this complication of the PVD can be prevented.
Atherosclerosis is as a result of accumulation of cholesterol in the blood arteries and veins. Prevention can start from avoiding diet which is high in cholesterol, as well as engaging in physical activities. Also, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake are prevention strategies against this condition. The main medications that can be prescribed to treat the condition are antiplatelet agents, whose purpose is to thin the blood, while relaxing the blood vessels (Frostegård, 2013). Thinned blood and wider blood vessels facilitate efficient blood flow, hence, reducing the symptoms and correcting the condition.
References
Frostegård, J. (2013). Immunity, Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease. BMC
Medicine, 11(1), 117.
Tendera, M. et al. (2011). ESC Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Peripheral
Artery Diseases. European Heart Journal, 32(22), 2851-2906.
