Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): Causes, symptoms, risks & effective management strategies
What is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)?
Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which the vessels in your legs are struggling to send the blood back to the heart. The problem lies in the vessel valves that act as one -way doors to prevent blood from flowing backwards. When these valves become weak or damaged, blood begins to accumulate in the legs, causing swelling, pain and weight.
CVI’s common causes
1. DEEP VEN thrombosis (DVT)
The DVT occurs when a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. This can seriously damage the vessel valves and lead to inappropriate blood flow. If you have a DVT in the past, your risk of developing CVI is significantly higher.
2. Varicose veins
Varicose veins, usually seen as a cosmetic concern, are an important warning sign of the underlying venous problems. This twisted, enlarged vessels are caused by weakened valves and may eventually lead to CVI if left untreated.
3. Congenital valve defects
Some individuals are born with faulty vessel valves, ie CVI may appear at a younger age. Even if there are no other risk factors, blood may begin to accumulate in the legs due to ineffective circulation.
4. Long -term sitting or standing
Long hours on a table or feet may adversely affect your circulation. When your leg muscles do not move, they cannot help the vessels push the blood back to the heart, which increases the pressure and risks valve damage.
5. Obesity
Excessive weight constantly presses the leg veins, which makes it difficult for the blood to flow properly. Over time, this weakens pressure valves and causes pooling – usually a pioneer for the CVI.
6. Aging
As you get older, vessel walls and valves naturally lose strength and flexibility. This makes it difficult for the vessels to resist gravity and to effectively return the blood to the heart, which makes CVI more common in individuals over 50 years of age.
7. Leg injuries or surgeries
Trauma or surgical procedures may directly damage or reduce mobility to the vessels that increase the risk of CVI. Postoperative inactivity is particularly risky for clot formation and blood pool.
Is CVI dangerous?
CVI is not life -threatening, but it is far from being harmless. If left untreated, the situation may deteriorate, which can lead to more serious symptoms and complications such as venous ulcers-mild, slow healing wounds that can be infected and seriously affecting mobility and quality of life.
Can CVI be treated?
Definitely. Although the CVI is chronic, its progression may slow down and symptoms can heal with consistent care. Here is how:
- Compression Socks: These medically designed socks help to move up the blood by improving the circulation by applying soft pressure to the legs.
- Leg height: Removing your legs above the heart level helps to reduce swelling and facilitate vascular pressure.
- Exercise: Physical activity activates the calf muscles that help the vessels in the blood flow, especially in walking, blood flow.
- Lifestyle Changes: Protecting a healthy weight, staying moisturized, eating good food and avoiding sitting or standing for a long time can significantly alleviate symptoms.
- Medical monitoring: Regular controls provide early capture of the situation or complications such as ulcers.
