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.
How Common Is This Condition?
Chronic venous disease of the legs is one of the most common conditions affecting people of all races.
- 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.
- Varicose veins affect 1 out of 2 people age 50 and older, and 15 to 25% of all adults.
Risk Factors
- Age
- Family history
- Female gender
- Pregnancy
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.
To learn more, check out our section on [Venous Disease].
Request a Vein Disease Consultation
Contact the Vein Center at Brinton Lake at (610) 579-3516, or request a visit online, if you would like more information about our vein disease treatment options.
