What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

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What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic Venous Insufficiency Maryland

Venous Insufficiency is the inability of the veins to carry blood back to the heart fully. Essentially, the veins lose the fight against gravity, for a variety of different reasons usually relating to the strength of the valves in the veins.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency, sometimes more colloquially referred to as having circulatory issues, is when a patient suffers from systematic issues that lead to weakness in the veins.

What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

The pathologies of Chronic Venous Insufficiency can differ. For example, an individual suffering from a blood clot may damage their valve.

Meanwhile, raised blood pressure can also weaken valves in the body. Blood pressure can be raised by any number of issues.

This includes hormonal issues, general health problems, or maybe acute events such as sitting or standing for too long of a period of time.

A lack of exercise can cause Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Smoking puts you at greater risk for CVI.

How Do I Know If I Have Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

There are visual cues for Chronic Venous Insufficiency. If you have venous issues such as Varicose Veins or Spider Veins, these can be a sign that you have CVI.

A number of issues often related to Restless Leg Syndrome may hint at CVI. For example, having an ache in the legs, an itchiness, a burning sensation, or even the “creepy crawlies” can be associated with poor circulation.

Swelling is a sign that blood is pooling and backflowing.

In very severe cases, you might suffer from ulcers. These occur due to nutrition not being delivered properly — due to poor circulation. If CVI has progressed to this stage, it’s extremely serious and should be treated immediately.

Want to know more about Chronic Venous Insufficiency and how to treat it? Please call the Vein Center of Maryland to schedule an appointment.


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