What characterizes a peripheral vascular disease?

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is primarily characterized by a reduction in blood flow to the limbs, which occurs because of narrowed blood vessels. This narrowing can result from atherosclerosis or the buildup of plaque, which leads to symptoms such as pain, cramping, or weakness in the legs or arms, particularly during physical activities like walking.

The focus on decreased blood flow emphasizes the disease's impact on extremities rather than other areas of the body, like the head, which is not specifically affected in peripheral vascular disease. Moreover, while PVD can indirectly affect mental well-being due to limitations in mobility or chronic pain, it is not primarily identified by this aspect. Lastly, total loss of blood flow is a more extreme scenario, often associated with critical limb ischemia rather than a characteristic of peripheral vascular disease in the general sense.