Who is at risk for venous insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency can affect anyone; gender and age are factors that may increase your risk.  For example, women older than 50 are more likely than others to develop venous insufficiency. Other factors that may increase your risk include:

• Family history
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Trauma
• Prolonged Standing
• Obesity or excess weight
• Current or previous pregnancies
• Smoking

 

Prevention

Lifestyle changes may be recommended for mild forms of venous insufficiency to control existing symptoms and prevent others. The following measures may help prevent varicose veins:

• Manage body weight
• Exercise regularly, focusing on exercises that work your legs (run or walk)
• Elevate your legs whenever possible
• Avoid prolonged standing or sitting
• Avoid clothes that are tight around the waist, groin, or legs
• Avoid shoes that limit the use of calf muscles (i.e., high heels)
• Eat a diet low in salt and rich in high-fiber foods

 

Treatments

Varicose veins are often misunderstood as a cosmetic problem, and many people living with them do not seek treatment.  The good news is that minimally invasive treatment options are available for varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

• The ClosureFast™ procedure uses controlled and consistent heat delivered by the ClosureFast™ catheter to seal the diseased vein. Once the vein is closed, blood is rerouted to nearby healthy veins.
• The VenaCureEVLT™ procedure uses targeted laser energy to seal the faulty vein shut.
• The VenaSeal™ closure system delivers a small amount of proprietary medical adhesive to the diseased vein. The adhesive seals the vein, and blood is rerouted through nearby healthy veins.

Your doctor can help you decide which treatment option is best for you.