Varicose Veins

Question 1

What are varicose veins

Answer 1

valves within peripheral veins become incompetent and blood from deep veins pools back into superficial veins which overload them causing enlargement and engorgement

Question 2

what are the risk factors for varicose veins

Answer 2

old age
women
pregnant 
obese
DVT
FH
prolonged standing

Question 3

what is the mechanism behind varicose veins

Answer 3

incompetence of the valves between superficial and deep veins

this causes pooling of blood in the superficial veins causing the engorgement

Question 4

how do varicose veins present

Answer 4

visible superficial veins

pain/ cramping/ itching/ burning (rare)

Question 5

how do you investigate varicose veins

Answer 5

Duplex USS to locate them

Tap test:

• apply pressure to the saphenofemoral junction
• tap distal varicose vein
• if a thrill is felt then positive for VV

Cough test:

• apply pressure to the saphenofemoral junction
• cough
• if a thrill is felt then positive for VV

Question 6

how do you manage varicose veins

Answer 6

not required unless bleeding, pain, ulcers

weight loss advice

compression stockings

can do surgery to close/ remove the veins

Question 7

what are the complications of varicose veins

Answer 7

ulcers

heavy bleeding post-trauma

DVT

superficial thrombophlebitis