Disease 4: Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition in which the veins in the legs have difficulty sending blood back to the heart. This occurs when the valves in the veins become damaged or weakened, causing blood to pool in the legs. CVI can lead to swelling, pain, skin changes, and in severe cases, the development of venous ulcers.
Risk factors for CVI include age, obesity, pregnancy, family history of venous problems, and a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Common symptoms of CVI include leg swelling, pain or heaviness in the legs, varicose veins, itching or flaking skin, and skin discoloration. In advanced cases, venous ulcers may develop, which are difficult to heal and can become infected.
Treatment for CVI typically involves lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, regular exercise, and wearing compression stockings to improve blood flow in the legs. In more severe cases, medical procedures like sclerotherapy, endovenous laser therapy, or surgical intervention may be necessary to treat the underlying vein problems. (4)
