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Alternative Names Return to top
Chronic venous insufficiencyDefinition Return to top
Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart.
See also:
Causes Return to top
Venous insufficiency involves one or more veins. Valves in the veins usually push the flow of blood toward the heart. When these valves are damaged, the blood leaks and pools in the legs and feet. The condition may also be caused by a blockage in a vein from a clot (deep vein thrombosis).
Chronic venous insufficiency is a long-term condition. It occurs because of partial vein blockage or blood leakage around the valves of the veins.
Risk factors for venous insufficiency include:
Symptoms Return to top
People with chronic venous insufficiency may also have:
Treatment Return to top
The following steps can be taken to help manage venous insufficiency:
In the future, new therapies may target inflammatory damage being done to the veins and skin.
References Return to top
Bergen JJ, Shmidt-Shonbein GW, Smith PD, et al. Chronic venous disease. N Engl J Med. 2006;355(5):488-98.
McPhee S, Papadakis M, Tierney L. Chronic venous insufficiency. In: 2008 Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment. 47th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2007:chap 12.
Update Date: 4/29/2008 Updated by: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |