What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Not only can chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) be painful and disruptive, but it can actually lead to worsening complications and discomfort when left untreated. At Vein & Body Specialists in Bellevue, OH, board-certified radiologist and physician Dr. David West is committed to helping patients prevent, reverse, and correct vein problems as conveniently and effectively as possible to safeguard their overall health and comfort. While almost anyone can develop CVI, there are some risk factors that may make certain people more likely to develop the condition than others. Fortunately, many of the risk factors for CVI can be reduced with simple diet and lifestyle changes. Keep reading to learn more about what causes CVI, what CVI risk factors you have, what you can do to minimize your risk of developing CVI, and what treatment options you have should CVI affect you.

What is CVI?

Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which the valves that normally prevent blood from flowing backward become damaged or begin to malfunction. This can lead to the pooling of blood, particularly in the lower leg where the gravitational pull is greatest. Additional symptoms of CVI include pain, swelling, heaviness in the legs or ankles, itchiness, redness, and others. Over time and when left untreated, CVI symptoms can worsen and progress to more serious complications, like open sores (ulcers) and more severe pain.

Who is at risk for getting CVI?

CVI can affect virtually anyone. However, some people have underlying risk factors that may put them at greater risk for developing CVI. Some of the primary risk factors for chronic venous insufficiency include:

• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Hypertension
• Blood clot
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Long periods of standing or sitting
• Genetics/family history

How can I reduce my risk of CVI?

While there may not be much you can do about a genetic predisposition for developing CVI, there are several diet, lifestyle, and health-related choices you can make to reduce your CVI risk, including:

• Maintain a healthy, stable weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise
• Take breaks from extended periods of standing or sitting
• Do not smoke

How is CVI treated?

If you suspect that you may have CVI, our team can help make a definitive diagnosis and recommend a course of CVI treatment that is most suitable for you. Depending on the nature, cause, and severity of your CVI, as well as other conditions and personal factors, we may recommend one or more of the following treatment options for CVI:

• Lifestyle/behavioral modification
• Medication
• Sclerotherapy
• Endovenous laser therapy

Will CVI come back after treatment?

Generally speaking, CVI treatment involves closing off or effectively destroying the affected vein, which reroutes blood flow to a healthier, normally functioning vein. The treated vein is typically resorbed by the body. Still, new instances of CVI can develop in other veins. During your consultation and post-treatment follow-up appointments, our knowledgeable team will help you understand how to reduce your risk for recurrent CVI, what symptoms to watch for that may indicate you have developed a new instance of CVI, and what treatment options you have to keep your CVI under control.

Restore your health and comfort with CVI treatment in Bellevue, OH

If chronic venous insufficiency is getting in the way of your everyday life, we can help. To learn more about the convenient, effective, and lasting CVI treatment options available at Vein & Body Specialists, call to schedule your private consultation with Bellevue, OH vein specialist and board-certified radiologist/physician Dr. David West today.