Peripheral Vascular Conditions

One of the most common types of vascular disease is peripheral vascular disease (PVD). “Vascular” refers to the large system of blood vessels – veins and arteries – that carry blood through your body. When there is a problem with this network, serious problems can develop. PVD is caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to your arms, legs, or pelvis.

Symptoms of PVD include:
Pain, achiness, or fatigue that occurs when you walk or exercise and then disappears after several minutes of rest
A cold or numb sensation in your legs or feet
Leg pain that gets worse when your legs are elevated but improves when you’re sitting
Sores that won’t heal on your legs or feet

Risk factors for PVD:
Diabetes
Aging
*Genetic variant MTHFR
Obesity
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diet
**Elevated homocysteine levels from diet or certain medicines

**Homocysteine is an amino acid that is broken down into two other amino acids your body requires. Vitamins B12, B6, and folate are needed in the right amounts for this. You may have high homocysteine levels if these vitamins are not present in proportional amounts or if you have inherited the genetic variant MTHFR that inhibits your ability to break down homocysteine. This can increase your risk of vascular diseases, heart disease and stroke.

*If you have the MTHFR genetic variant, you may have difficulty breaking down folate. This variant is present in up to 50% of the population — and at higher percentages in those with diabetes. This variant reduces folate levels and increases homocysteine levels. The BIOFOLATE® in EBM Medical Foods is unaffected by this variant and aids in the breakdown of homocysteine.