Unlike heart disease, which affects only one organ, PVD involves multiple arterial systems, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and limb vessels. This multi-system involvement makes PVD more damaging and complex, often earning it the description of a silent killer. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a circulatory disorder that restricts blood flow to the limbs, most commonly the legs, due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels.
Tavishi Dogra is a Deputy Chief Content Producer, Health & Wellness, at Hindustan Times. She joined Hindustan Times to simplify wellness subjects by cutting through jargon. She has over 9 years of experience writing about fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, translating medical research and expert insights into practical advice readers can trust. Career journey and experience Tavishi began her health journalism journey in 2017, and has since reported for RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, HT Media Labs and Zee.
Education and professional background Tavishi holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and began her career reporting on public affairs for broadcast. Editorial Philosophy I write with one single goal: To simplify health in a world full of noise by finding what’s actually doable, safe, and evidence-based for my readers. I test claims against research and user experiences. Heart attacks are dramatic, with sudden chest pain and breathlessness prompting immediate medical attention. In contrast, PVD progresses slowly, with patients noticing difficulty walking, fatigue, or leg pain over weeks or months. Many patients consult orthopedists or physiotherapists instead of vascular specialists, delaying diagnosis until ulcers, gangrene, or even limb loss occur. By the time patients reach advanced hospitals, they are often in late stages of the disease, facing irreversible complications. The symptoms of PVD are subtle but critical. A foot or leg that is colder than the rest of the body is a clear sign of reduced blood flow. Pain that occurs while walking and forces patients to stop, then recurs at the same distance, is another hallmark symptom. Non-healing wounds, particularly in diabetic patients, are a serious warning sign. Skin changes such as shiny texture, hair loss, dryness, scaling, or discoloration also indicate compromised circulation. These symptoms should never be ignored, especially by individuals with diabetes or a history of smoking, as they are at significantly higher risk. Treatment depends on the severity of blockages. Early-stage disease can often be managed with medication such as blood thinners. More advanced cases may require minimally invasive procedures. Balloon angioplasty can open narrowed arteries, while stent placement restores circulation in severe blockages. Plaque removal devices can shave off arterial deposits without leaving stents behind. Intravascular lithotripsy breaks up calcium deposits and remodels arteries, offering another option to restore blood flow. Not all patients require stents, and modern techniques often avoid leaving permanent implants, reassuring patients who fear foreign bodies in their system. Modern vascular procedures are performed under conscious sedation, using small catheters inserted through the groin or wrist. Patients experience minimal discomfort, and recovery is much faster than with traditional surgery. The goal is not only to save limbs but also to restore mobility and quality of life. ( Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)
When all else fails, I speak to the expert who sees 50 patients a day, not the one with the most followers.
“These signs are often dismissed as aging, weak bones, or orthopedic issues,” Dr Rajiv Parakh, Chairman (Peripheral Vascular and Endovascular Science), Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon and Delhi, tells Health Shots . Those early years in policy and TV shaped how she writes today: fast, factual, and human-first.
Subject expertise With 9+ years tracking India’s health conversations, Tavishi knows the gap between clinical advice and daily life. She knows fads from fundamentals and curates science-backed, expert-recommended solutions. In fitness, she breaks down bodyweight training, recovery, and posture fixes for desk-bound readers. In nutrition, she translates guidelines into affordable, desi meal tweaks. In mental well-being, she focuses on stigma-free, actionable tools — all backed by research, expert input, and lived context.
From decoding health trends and interviewing doctors to testing fitness routines herself, Tavishi always approaches content with one filter: “Will this help someone make a better decision today?
