What is peripheral venous disease (PVD)?

• A. A condition caused by arterial blockages in the legs
• B. A condition characterized by decreased blood flow due to structural changes in blood vessels
• C. An infection of vein valves
• D. A condition only affecting the heart

Answer: (B)

Peripheral venous disease describes problems with the veins in the limbs that impair venous return to the heart. The key factor is structural changes in the venous system—such as damaged valves or weakened vein walls—that disrupt one-way blood flow and allow pooling of blood in the legs. This venous stasis leads to symptoms like leg swelling, a feeling of heaviness, aching, varicose veins, and, in more advanced cases, skin changes or ulcers. It differs from arterial disease, which involves blockages that reduce arterial blood supply to tissues. It’s not an infection of vein valves, and it doesn’t primarily involve the heart. Therefore, describing PVD as decreased blood flow due to structural changes in the venous system best fits.