Cardiology: Venous diseases

what are varicose veins?

dilated torturous superficial veins mostly affecting long saphenous and its tributaries in the LE

what are the RF of varicose veins?

pregnancy, women >50, obesity, FH, menopause, prolonged standing, heavy lifting, chronic constipation, tumor

what is the patho of varicose veins?

dysfunction of the valves within veins leading to blood pooling and vein dilation

what are the SS of varicose veins?

dull, aching discomfort or pain that worsens with prolonged standing, itching, burning, fatiguability of legs

what does edema, pigmentation, and ulcerations on the leg indicate?

venous insufficiency

what does long standing varicose veins lead to?

chronic venous insufficiency

How do you make the dx of varicose veins?

clinical

when do you dx varicose veins using a duplex ultrasound?

surgical planning

what is the nonsurgical tx for varicose veins?

compression therapy, elevation of legs, exercise, avoid long periods of straining/standing, weight loss, phlebotonics

what are phlebotonics?

drugs that improve venous tone, decrease inflammation, enhance lymphatic drainage

what is the first line tx of varicose veins in pregnant women?

compression therapy

what are the indications of non-cosmetic surgery for varicose veins?

symptomatic varicosities, recurrent thrombophlebitis, bleeding, tx for venous HTN after the onset of skin and subcutaneous tissue changes

what is thrombophlebitis?

Inflammation of a vein with formation of a clot

what is mechanical surgical ablation therapy for varicose veins?

excision and ligation of varicosities

what is chemical surgical ablation therapy for varicose veins?

scleropathy of fibrous vein