Chronic Venous Insufficiency
When venous insufficiency is identified and treated early, it is a manageable issue that causes little problem for the person experiencing it. However, if left untreated, it can transform into chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a dangerous health issue that prohibits blood from being properly circulated throughout the body. This then leads to varicose and spider veins in the lower extremities, and should those be left untreated as well, other, more severe problems will occur, such as ulcers, bleeding, and thrombosis.
Who is Affected by CVI?
All people who suffer from venous insufficiency are at risk of developing CVI if their venous insufficiency is not treated soon enough. Varicose veins are extremely common among Americans, and between 20-30 million Americans have them. Women suffer more than men, but both women and men have a heightened risk of developing venous insufficiency the older they get
Things to know about varicose veins:
- Varicose veins are caused by several different factors, some being hereditary and others being age, weight, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and standing/sitting for long periods of time.
- A family history of varicose veins is found in nearly 50% of patients.
- You have a 90% chance of experiencing varicose veins if both of your parents also experienced them.
- If one parent has varicose veins, female children have a 60% chance of experiencing varicose veins, while male children have a 25% chance. Varicose veins affect 55% of women and 45% of men.
- 41% of women over the age of 50 experience varicose veins.
- Women who are slightly overweight have an increased risk of 50% of developing varicose veins, while women whose BMI is over 30 have three times the chance of experiencing them.
- A major cause of varicose and spider veins in women is pregnancy.
You are more at risk of venous insufficiency based on the following points:
- Gender - If you are a woman, you have a higher chance of developing vein issues.
- Family History - If your family has a history of venous insufficiency, you run the risk as well.
- Age -Â Â Aging increases your risk of developing vein problems.
- Lifestyle or Occupation - If you spend a lot of time standing or sitting, your risk of venous insufficiency increases.
- Smoking - If you are or have been a long-term smoker, your risk for venous insufficiency increases because of changes to your blood vessels and composition.
- Weight Gain - If your BMI is over the suggested amount, your legs likely experience extra pressure, thus increasing your chance of vein issues.
- Pregnancy - If you are or have been pregnant, you may experience vein problems that typically resolve on their own 3-12 months after delivery.
Treat CVI to Avoid Dangerous Complications
If your venous insufficiency develops into CVI, you may experience an array of symptoms ranging from simple cosmetic bothers to swelling of the lower extremities, itchy and irritated skin, leg pain and cramping, skin discoloration, sores and ulcers, and, eventually, varicose and/or spider veins. These symptoms can become worse over time, and varicose veins can cause severe risks to your health such as DVT, or blood clotting, that impacts the lungs in a fatal way. Contact Refine Vein immediately if you suspect that you might have CVI or other venous issues.
Contact our office at 615.716.VEIN to schedule an appointment today.
