What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency? Symptoms, Risk Factors & Best Treatments Explained

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): CVI represents a permanent medical condition which prevents leg veins from delivering sufficient blood volume back to the heart. This condition occurs because the walls and valves of veins experience deterioration which results in blood accumulation within the legs instead of upward movement. The condition develops through gradual increases in swelling which causes skin discolouration and finally leads to ulcer development.

According to Dr Biswajeet Mohapatra, Consultant, Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar, “The main reason for CVI development occurs when the leg vein valves experience damage which leads to their complete loss of function.”

Risk factors of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

The main risk factors include:

1. Age: As you get older, your veins naturally grow weaker over time (this is particularly relevant for old people, and perhaps the US President)
2. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): This occurs when a blood clot forms in the leg’s veins
3. Blood circulation problems develop from your ear lobe structure which includes the folded earlobe and floating ear lobe and your body mass index and your physical activity level and your extended periods of sitting and standing.
4. Risk increases if you are pregnant or your family has a history of spider or varicose veins or you have previously injured your legs.

Symptoms of CVI

Common symptoms include:

• Swollen legs (particularly ankles and calves)
• The person experiences pain and heaviness and cramping throughout their legs
• The person shows visible varicose veins which still remain
• Skin that is discoloured or skin that becomes thicker
• The person shows leg ulcers which present as open sores on their lower leg and ankle area (in severe cases)

Complications of untreated CVI

If medical treatment remains absent chronic venous insufficiency leads to continuous leg discomfort and skin infections and wounds that refuse to heal which ultimately restricts a person’s ability to move and their overall life quality.

How common is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

“CVI demonstrates widespread occurrence across the population especially among elderly individuals. The condition affects 15 to 20 per cent of adults which becomes more common after people reach their fifth decade of life. The medical diagnosis remains appropriate based on the President’s age and documented contact with the virus,” the doctor said.

Is there a cure for CVI?

CVI exists as a permanent medical condition which cannot be completely cured.The patient will receive treatment based on his/her current stage of the condition.

• Compression stockings to increase blood flow
• The patient needs to adopt lifestyle changes that include sitting with extended legs and losing weight and walking regularly
• The drugs which treat swelling conditions will improve blood flow in the body
• The treatment options include sclerotherapy and laser therapy and other minimally invasive procedures and vein ablation.

Lifestyle tips to manage CVI

The person needs to maintain physical activity and avoid prolonged standing or sitting and control his body weight, and use elastic compression garments when necessary because these factors are essential for his active lifestyle.

Disclaimer: Dear readers, this article provides general information and advice only. It is not at all professional medical advice. Therefore, always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for more information.