User:Mr. Ibrahem/Chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition in which blood pools in, rather than returns normally from the veins of the legs. Symptoms may include lower leg swelling, skin changes, and leg discomfort. Skin changes may include small visible blood vessels and skin discoloration. Complications may include venous ulcers, varicose veins, eczema, and cellulitis.

Risk factors include genetics, high blood pressure, prolonged sitting, smoking, prior deep vein thrombosis, pregnancy, leg injury, and prolonged standing. The underlying mechanism involves high pressures, either due to backward flow or obstructed flow, within the veins. Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and examination, though may be supported by ultrasound.

Initial treatment is generally with leg elevation, exercise, weight management, and compression therapy. Some types can be improved with surgical therapies such as sclerotherapy or vein stripping. Recurrence; however, is common after surgery. The condition often gets worse with time.

Chronic venous insufficiency is common. In the United States about 6.5 million people are affected. Older people are more commonly affected. It appears to occur less commonly in non-Western countries. Chronic venous insufficiency was described in Ancient India by Sushruta and later in Ancient Greece by Hippocrates.