Varicose veins Flashcards
What is varicose veins?
Dilated, tortuous (twisting) superficial veins due to secondary incompetent venous valves.
What is the pathophysiology of varicose veins?
Incompetent valves lead to blood back flow, resulting in dilated, tortuous veins.
What are the risk factors for varicose veins?
- Age +++
- Female
- Pregnancy - uterus compresses on pelvic veins
- Obesity
What are common symptoms of varicose veins?
- Unnatural appearance
- Aching, throbbing
- Itching
What are complications of varicose veins?
- Skin changes
- Bleeding
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
- Venous ulceration
- DVT
What skin changes can occur due to chronic venous insufficiency? (4)
- Varicose eczema
- Haemosiderin deposition
- Lipodermatosclerosis
- Atrophie blanche
What investigations are used for varicose veins?
Venous duplex ultrasound to assess retrograde venous flow.
What are conservative management strategies for varicose veins?
- Leg elevation
- Weight loss
- Regular exercise
- Graduated compression stocking (contraindicated in PDA)
Fill in the blank: Significant lower limb symptoms such as pain, swelling, bleeding, ulcers, infection may require _______.
[referral to secondary care]
What are the surgical treatment options for varicose veins?
- Endothermal ablation - radio-frequency ablation/laser treatment
- Foam sclerotherapy - irritant foam used to close vein with inflammatory response
- Surgery
What causes chronic venous insufficiency?
- Incompetent valves
- DVT
- Impaired calf muscle function
What are signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency?
- Varicose veins
- Lipodermatosclerosis
- Itching
- Oedema
- Pain
- Skin changes
True or False: Obesity can contribute to chronic venous insufficiency.
True
What symptom is relieved by propping up the legs in chronic venous insufficiency?
Pain - aching/burning/leg heaviness
