Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a catch-all term for narrowed or blocked arteries and veins outside the heart and brain. Think of it as traffic jams in the vessels that feed your limbs—usually the legs.

Cramping calf pain is the classic red flag. It hits after a block or two of walking and forces you to stop until the ache fades (called claudication).

Cold or pale skin shows up early. One foot feels cooler than the other, and socks never seem warm enough.

Color changes appear. The foot turns pale when elevated and dusky red when hanging down.

Numbness or tingling follows. Your toes feel “asleep,” especially at night or after sitting for a long time.

Hair loss and shiny skin occur. Lower-leg hair thins, and the skin looks tight and glossy because blood flow is poor.

Late alarms include foot pain at rest, ulcers that won’t heal, or black toes—signs the vessels are nearly blocked.