Factors associated with chronic venous disease: study in 1,136 patients treated for varicose veins of the lower limbs in a specialized clinic

BACKGROUND: Varicose veins are a highly prevalent condition in the general population, generating variable reasons for consultation that can alter the patient’s quality of life, with prevalence and associated factors that vary in different series. OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological profile of patients who consulted for varicose veins by evaluating main symptoms and associated variables. METHODS: Between 2019 and 2020, 1,136 patients attending vascular surgery consultation in a specialized outpatient center were evaluated. Demographic variables, presented symptoms, complications, and associated factors, such as body mass index, parity and family history, were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1136 patients were evaluated (79.8% women and 20.2% men), with a mean age of 53.51 years. The presence of symptoms was similar in men and women; the most frequent complications were ulcer, varicorrhage, and superficial venous thrombosis. Most patients showed CEAP 1, 2 and 3 (n = 909) and more than half were overweight or obese (n = 679) with a predominance of those classified as C4. Sixty-nine per cent had a positive family history of varicose veins. There was no difference between severity of varicose veins and time working in the standing or sitting position, but there was a greater presence of C5 or C6 ulcer among patients standing for more than 4 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Describing the characteristics of patients with varicose veins helps to understand the disease and to focus efforts towards those who are more susceptible. The results of this research are similar to those found in other populations.