Pulse wave velocity and lipid profile in varicose vein patients

In 20 varicose vein patients, aged twenty-five to forty-five years, and suffering the disease for more than two years, pulse wave velocity (PWV) of the femoral-dorsalis pedis artery of the lower limbs was measured and compared with that of 20 age-matched normal subjects. Blood pressure and fasting serum total cholesterol level, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were also estimated for these subjects. PWV showed a significant increase (P < 0.001) in varicose vein patients as compared with control subjects. There was no significant difference either in the blood pressure or lipid profile. It appears that neither hypertension nor atherosclerosis is responsible for the increase in PWV in varicosities. On the basis of the present study, it may be suggested that arteries are also involved in the pathogenesis of varicose veins. The involvement of the arterial tree in the pathogenesis of varicose veins, if given due consideration, may add a new dimension to the understanding of many ill-defined facets of this disease.