Which of the following is NOT a cause of peripheral vascular disease?

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) primarily refers to the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, usually due to atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. This condition affects blood flow, typically in the legs, and is characterized by symptoms such as pain or cramping during physical activity due to insufficient blood supply.

Varicose veins, while they are a vascular condition, are not a primary cause of PVD. Instead, they result from valve dysfunction in the veins leading to blood pooling and swelling, rather than a significant narrowing or blockage of arteries that typically characterizes PVD. Varicose veins are more related to venous insufficiency than to arterial occlusion or narrowing.

Atherosclerosis, trauma, and thrombo-embolism all directly contribute to peripheral vascular disease. Atherosclerosis is a primary pathological process leading to PVD, while trauma can cause direct injury to blood vessels resulting in vascular problems. Thrombo-embolism, which involves blood clots that can obstruct blood flow in the arteries, also directly relates to the causes of PVD.

In summary, the reason for identifying varicose veins as not causing peripheral vascular disease lies in understanding that PVD concerns mainly arterial blood flow issues due to