A Study of Demographic Factors and Clinical Profile of Varicose Veins in Adults

BACKGROUND Varicose veins in lower limbs cause a lot of morbidity in humans and a significant financial burden on the health care system. Varicose veins do not threaten life and are seldom disabling. A high prevalence of varicose veins has been documented in India. Hence, we decided to conduct a study on the demographic factors and clinical profile of varicose veins in adults. METHODS It is an observational study. 200 patients aged>12 years with varicose veins of the lower limbs were studied. Statistical Analysis was performed with help of Epi Info (TM) 7.2.2.2. RESULTS 200 patients were studied, of whom 87.5 % were aged ≥ 35 Years; 74.5 % were males, 25.5 % were females; 70.0 % had normal BMI, 75.9 % were from the urban area, 11.5 % had a family history of varicose veins, 10.5 % had addictions, 57.0 % had a duration of standing >5 hours. 62.0 % were examined at OPD, 82.5 % were unilateral and 17.5 % bilateral. The heights of the patients were significantly higher than the normal height of average Indians. The most common symptoms were varicosities and pain present in 80.85 % and 71.49 % of cases respectively. Out of 235 lower limbs, 48.93 % had the involvement of only GSV, 18.72 % only SSV, 32.35 % both; incompetent saphenofemoral junction was present in 67.24 % clinically and 74.89 % radiologically; 150 mid-thigh, 62 above-knee, 55 below-knee, 106 calf, 72 ankle perforators were incompetent clinically; 165 mid-thigh, 80 above-knee, 65 below-knee, 118 calf, 95 ankle perforators were incompetent radiologically; 65 (27.66 %) belonged to C2 class, 60 (25.53 %) to C4 class and 60 (25.53 %) to C6 class. CONCLUSIONS Age > 35 years, male gender, tall height, and prolonged standing are associated with increased risk of varicose veins whereas obesity, family history and addictions do not have any association. Varicose veins are more commonly unilateral with the involvement of a great saphenous vein. Colour Doppler is better at detecting incompetent perforators compared to clinical assessment.