Which condition may indicate the presence of peripheral vascular disease?

The condition that indicates the presence of peripheral vascular disease is associated with a systolic leg pressure that is greater than brachial systolic pressure. In individuals with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), blood flow to the limbs is compromised due to narrowed arteries. Typically, one would expect the leg pressure to be lower than the brachial pressure due to this obstruction. When the leg pressure exceeds the brachial pressure, it suggests potential dysfunction or unusual conditions within the vascular system, warranting further investigation.

The other options do not directly indicate the presence of PVD. Increased heart rate can occur due to various factors including anxiety, fever, or other cardiac stress but does not specifically point to peripheral vascular issues. Lower blood volume could result from dehydration or hemorrhage and is not indicative of vascular disease. Similarly, high blood sugar levels are a concern in diabetes and may lead to complications, including PVD, but they do not serve as a direct indicator of the presence of the disease itself.