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Chronic Venous Insufficiency
A major contributor to life-threatening strokes
Overview
CVI causes the values in your veins to not work properly, causing blood to pool which increases the pressure of the vein walls. This typically occurs in the leg, sometimes in the arms. It is a fairly common condition, and it is usually chronic. Estimates say that CVI may affect up to 40% of the US population, with it being more common in women (especially after multiple pregnancies) and those middle-aged or older.
Symptoms
Most symptoms are mild and not limb-threatening, but should be something you take note of. Bring them up to your physician and ask if you should consider seeing a vascular specialist if you experience...
Varicose Veins
Heaviness, Swelling, or Pain of Limb
Causes
One cause for CVI is that vein valves become incompetent, especially when standing, for unknown reasons. Additionally, there is a chance that deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has lead to valve destruction. This is when a blood clot forms in a deep vein which causes vein valves to fail or may completely block the vein. This leads to greater swelling and can lead to darkening of the skin, dermatitis, or ulcers. There is a greater chance of having CVI if...
Family History of Varicose Veins or Valve Dysfunction
Obesity
Standing or sitting for long periods of time
Diagnosis
CVI is often diagnosed using duplex ultrasound testing to look at your vein valves and see if they are functioning properly. In cases where severe swelling occurs and is difficult to treat, a CT scan of the venous system may be used to look for vein narrowing or blockage in your abdomen.
Treatment
Treatment for CVI is often nonsurgical, aiming to prevent severe swelling and ulcers from developing. One way is wearing compression garments, as they relieve symptoms and aid in the healing of ulcers. If superficial veins are affected, they may be treated through injection. If deep veins are affected, in severe cases, angioplasty and stenting may be recommended. In rare cases, surgical bypass may be required.
Visit Society of Vascular Surgery for more information.
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