Final answer:
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is characterized by decreased blood flow due to plaque accumulation in the leg arteries, resulting in pain when walking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main characteristic of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is decreased blood flow.
PVD occurs when plaque accumulates in the walls of the leg arteries, leading to narrowing of the arteries. This narrowing restricts blood flow to the legs and other areas served by peripheral arteries. The decreased blood flow results in pain, particularly when walking, because the muscles are not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients.