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Venous insufficiency is a very common condition
resulting from decreased blood flow from the leg veins up to
the heart, with pooling of blood in the veins. Normally,
one-way valves in the veins keep blood flowing toward the
heart, against the force of gravity. When the valves become
weak and don't close properly, they allow blood to flow
backward, a condition called reflux. Veins that have lost
their valve effectiveness, become elongated, rope-like,
bulged, and thickened. These enlarged, swollen vessels are
known as varicose veins and are a direct result of increased
pressure from reflux. A common cause of varicose veins in the
legs is reflux in a thigh vein called the great saphenous,
which leads to pooling in the visible varicose vein below.
How Common Is This Condition?
Chronic venous disease of the legs is one
of the most common conditions affecting people of all races.
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Approximately half of the U.S.
population has venous disease--50 to 55% of women and 40
to 45% of men. Of these, 20 to 25% of the women and 10 to
15% of men will have visible varicose veins.
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Varicose veins affect 1 out of 2 people
age 50 and older, and 15 to 25% of all adults.
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Risk Factors
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Age |
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Family history |
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Female gender |
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Pregnancy, especially multiple
pregnancies, is one of the most common factors
accelerating the worsening of varicose veins.
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Symptoms
Symptoms caused by venous insufficiency and
varicose veins include aching pain, easily tired legs, and leg
heaviness, all of which worsen as the day goes on. Many people
find they need to sit down in the afternoon and elevate their
legs to relieve these symptoms. In more severe cases, venous
insufficiency and reflux can cause darkening of the skin and
wounds that may be very difficult to treat. One percent of
adults over age 60 have chronic wounds known as ulcers.
People who have venous insufficiency can have symptoms even
without visible varicose veins. The symptoms are caused by
pressure on nerves by dilated veins.
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