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Occlusion of the Great and Small Saphenous Vein Using Copolymeric Glue Based on N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Methacryloxy Sulfolane
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Clinically Recognized Varicose Veins and Physical Function in Older Individuals: The ARIC Study
Yejin Mok1, Junichi Ishigami1, Yingying Sang1
1Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, ,Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Summary
Low physical function increases the risk of developing varicose veins in older adults. However, varicose veins do not appear to cause a decline in physical function over time.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Vascular Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Varicose veins are common in older adults.
- Previous studies suggest an association between varicose veins and physical function.
- The bidirectional relationship is not well understood in the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between varicose veins and physical function in older adults.
- To determine if varicose veins predict future physical function decline.
- To assess if poor physical function predicts incident varicose veins.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 5,580 participants (aged 71-90) from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.
- Varicose veins identified via administrative data.
- Physical function assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).
Main Results:
- Varicose veins were cross-sectionally associated with reduced physical function at baseline.
- Prevalent varicose veins did not predict subsequent decline in physical function.
- Low physical function (SPPB ≤6) was a significant risk factor for developing new varicose veins.
Conclusions:
- In older adults, varicose veins and low physical function are linked cross-sectionally.
- Low physical function is a risk factor for incident varicose veins.
- Findings suggest physical function may play an etiological role in varicose vein development.
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