The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease (PVD). In particular, the invention provides compositions and methods for treatment of critical limb ischemia, and related diseases, disorders or conditions, based on the use of angiotensin-(1-7) peptides or functional equivalents, analogs or derivatives, angiotensin-(1-7) receptor agonists, ACE2 and/or ACE2 activators.