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Varicose veins: a risk factor for atherosclerotic disease in middle-aged men?
Insights
Varicose veins are more common in lower social classes and linked to higher body mass, smoking, and blood pressure. Men with varicose veins face increased risks for intermittent claudication and coronary heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Varicose veins are a common vascular condition with multifactorial etiology.
- Understanding associated risk factors and long-term health implications is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between varicose veins and socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, and subsequent atherosclerotic disease.
- To identify specific risks for cardiovascular events in individuals with varicose veins.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study assessing varicose vein prevalence.
- Dietary survey in a subsample.
- Longitudinal follow-up for atherosclerotic disease incidence over 6.6 years.
Main Results:
- Higher prevalence of varicose veins in lower social strata, positively correlated with body mass index, smoking, and diastolic blood pressure.
- Increased total calorie intake in men with varicose veins, irrespective of nutrient distribution.
- Significantly higher risk of intermittent claudication and hard coronary heart disease in men with varicose veins, particularly in lower social classes.
Conclusions:
- Varicose veins are associated with adverse cardiovascular risk factors and predict future atherosclerotic events.
- Public health initiatives should consider varicose veins as a potential marker for increased cardiovascular risk, especially in lower socioeconomic groups.
Abstract:
The prevalence of varicose veins was higher among lower social subjects and was positively associated with a body-mass index, cigarette consumption and diastolic blood pressure. A detailed dietary survey in a subsample of the population showed a significantly higher total calory intake in men with varicose veins but no difference in the distribution of the various nutrients. During follow up for subsequent atherosclerotic disease (average 6.6 yrs), men with varicose veins were at a significantly higher risk for intermittent claudication and, at least in the lower social class, for hard coronary heart disease. No association was found with angina pectoris incidence.