What does peripheral vascular disease refer to in medical terms?

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) specifically refers to circulatory problems that affect the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain, most commonly in the legs. This condition occurs when there is narrowing or blockage of these vessels, often due to atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in the arterial walls) or other vascular issues, leading to reduced blood flow. Symptoms of peripheral vascular disease can include pain during walking (claudication), numbness, and coldness in the legs or feet, indicating that the limbs are not receiving sufficient blood supply.

While deep vein thrombosis, cardiac arrest, and pulmonary embolism are serious health conditions, they do not fall under the umbrella of peripheral vascular disease. Deep vein thrombosis refers specifically to a blood clot that forms in the deep veins, typically in the legs, which can lead to complications like pulmonary embolism if the clot travels. Cardiac arrest is an acute medical emergency related to the heart's function, and pulmonary embolism involves a blockage in the pulmonary arteries due to blood clots, often stemming from a deep vein thrombosis. None of these conditions specifically describe the chronic issues affecting blood flow in the periphery, particularly in the limbs, as is characteristic of PVD.