A patient reporting intermittent claudication that progresses to pain while walking but resolves at rest may be diagnosed with which type of insufficiency?

Intermittent claudication characterized by pain in the legs while walking that resolves with rest is indicative of arterial insufficiency. This condition occurs when there is inadequate blood flow to the muscles during physical activity, typically due to narrowed or blocked arteries, often seen in peripheral arterial disease. The pain arises from the muscles not receiving sufficient oxygenated blood to meet metabolic demands during exertion, which is a hallmark of arterial flow issues.

In contrast, venous insufficiency and chronic venous insufficiency primarily involve problems with venous return and may lead to swelling, varicosities, and skin changes, but usually do not present with pain that is significantly alleviated by rest after exertion. Cardiac insufficiency pertains to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively and would generally cause more systemic symptoms rather than localized claudication. Therefore, the symptoms described align clearly with arterial insufficiency, confirming this diagnosis.