Cardiovascular System >
Varicose Veins
“Dilated superficial veins, usually in the lower limbs”
Risk Factors
- Increasing age
- Multi parity
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Sex (female)
- Previous DVT
Aetiology
- Increased pressure in small superficial veins
Pathophysiology
- Vein wall dilatation and secondary valvular incompetence
Clinical Presentation
- The cosmetic appearance of dilated superficial veins
- Pain/tenderness
- Cramps
- Bleeding
- Restless legs
- Venous eczema
- Ulcers
Investigations
- Duplex Ultrasound
Management
- Conservative:
- Weight loss
- Avoid exacerbating factors (prolonged standing/sitting)
- Compression stockings
- Medical:
- Sclerotherapy
- Surgical:
- Endothermal ablation
- Phlebectomy
- High ligation and vein stripping of the long saphenous vein
Complications
- Venous ulcers
- Thrombophlebitis
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Varicose eczema