Varicose Veins

Published on 31/05/2015 by admin

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Last modified 31/05/2015

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Chapter 66 Varicose Veins

INTRODUCTION

Description: Varicose veins are dilated, elongated, and tortuous superficial veins with incompetent or congenitally absent valves. Although these may occur anywhere in the body, they are most common in the legs, where gravity produces reverse flow. Varicose veins are five times more common in women than in men.

Prevalence: Twenty percent of adults, one out of two people older than age 50.

Predominant Age: Middle age and beyond.

Genetics: Familial as an X-linked dominant condition.

ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS

Causes: Faulty or absent valves in one or more perforating veins that may result in secondary incompetence at the saphenofemoral junction. Other causes—deep vein thrombophlebitis, increased venous pressure from any source (e.g., obstruction by tumor, pregnancy, pelvic mass).

Risk Factors: Pregnancy, family history, prolonged standing.

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Netters Obstetrics and Gynecology