PVD
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Peripheral vascular disease |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Medical, Transportation & Travel |
PVD has three meanings. The most common are Peripheral vascular disease (cardiology) and Posterior vitreous detachment (ophthalmology & ENT); it can also stand for Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport.
Meanings of PVD at a glance
| # | PVD stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peripheral vascular disease | Medical › Cardiology |
| 2 | Posterior vitreous detachment | Medical › Ophthalmology & ENT |
| 3 | Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport | Transportation & Travel › Airport Code |
1. Peripheral vascular disease
Medical · Cardiology Abbreviations
Broad term for disease of blood vessels outside the heart and brain, covering arterial narrowing, venous insufficiency and lymphatic disorders. In everyday charting it is usually a synonym for peripheral artery disease of the legs.
Example: Diabetic with PVD and absent pedal pulses; podiatry referral for foot care.
Because PVD lumps arterial and venous problems together, vascular societies recommend PAD when arterial disease is meant and CVI or "venous disease" for vein problems. The term remains common in older records, coding and insurance documents. In diabetes, PVD combined with neuropathy is a major driver of foot ulcers and amputation.
2. Posterior vitreous detachment
Medical · Ophthalmology & ENT Abbreviations
Normal age-related separation of the gel-like vitreous from the retina, causing sudden floaters and sometimes flashes. Most PVDs are harmless, but a minority tear the retina, so new symptoms require a dilated eye exam.
Example: Acute PVD OS with Weiss ring, no retinal tear on scleral depression; return precautions given.
Most people develop a PVD by their 60s or 70s, earlier if nearsighted. Roughly one in ten people with acute symptomatic PVD has a retinal tear. A new shower of floaters or a curtain over vision warrants immediate re-examination. In cardiology PVD means peripheral vascular disease.
3. Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport
Transportation & Travel · Airport Code Abbreviations
Rhode Island's main airport, located in Warwick, about 6 miles south of Providence. It is a popular lower-cost alternative to Boston Logan for southern New England travelers.
Example: Took the train from Boston down to PVD because the fares were $200 cheaper.
ICAO code KPVD, using Providence's initials. Named for Theodore Francis Green, a governor and US senator. A station on the MBTA commuter rail line connects the airport to Providence and Boston. "International" was added in 2021 to reflect overseas service.
Related abbreviations
More cardiology abbreviations
- PTA – Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty
- PTCA – Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
- PTS – Post-thrombotic syndrome
- PVC – Premature ventricular contraction
- PVI – Pulmonary vein isolation
- PVR – Pulmonary vascular resistance
- QRS – QRS complex
- QTc – Corrected QT interval
See all 229 cardiology abbreviations →
More ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations
- PND – Postnasal drip
- POAG – Primary open-angle glaucoma
- PRP – Panretinal photocoagulation
- RAPD – Relative afferent pupillary defect
- RD – Retinal detachment
- RP – Retinitis pigmentosa
- SLE – Slit-lamp examination
- SLT – Selective laser trabeculoplasty
See all 74 ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.