Which condition is indicated by calf claudication and hairless skin?

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The presence of calf claudication and hairless skin is indicative of peripheral vascular disease (PVD). This condition stems from inadequate blood flow to the limbs, often due to atherosclerosis or narrowing of the arteries, which leads to pain and discomfort during physical activity, particularly in the legs. Calf claudication specifically refers to pain or cramping in the lower leg muscles during physical activities like walking, which typically resolves with rest.

Additionally, hairless skin is a common manifestation of PVD, as reduced blood flow can impair the normal hair growth cycle due to inadequate nourishment of the hair follicles. The skin may appear shiny or atrophic as a result of chronic ischemia. These signs, when taken together, strongly point to PVD as a diagnosis, as they are characteristic of reduced arterial supply to the extremities.

In contrast, conditions such as myocardial infarction primarily involve the heart and do not present with these specific limb symptoms. Asthma is a respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction and does not cause claudication or skin changes. Deep vein thrombosis may involve leg symptoms such as swelling, pain, or redness but is not usually associated with claudication or hairless skin, which are more closely aligned with peripheral vascular

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