Compression stockings and venous function in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Venous volume and venous outflow of the calf were studied in 49 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Graded compression stockings were randomly applied to one leg, the other serving as a control, and the above parameters were studied with strain gauge plethysmography during six days. Venous volume increased in the control legs during the first three days and it was significantly higher in the legs with stockings compared to the control legs throughout the study period. Venous outflow did not change during the study period or with the application of compression stockings. A restricted venous function in the calf may contribute to the initiation of deep vein thrombosis. Graded compression stockings improve the venous function in the leg and may thus reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction. This remains, however, to be proved in a controlled clinical trial.