Study of risk factors and clinical assessment of lower limb varicose vein in a tertiary care hospital
Background: Lower limb varicose veins are one of the common peripheral vascular diseases which requires treatment for leading the productive life without compromise. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the risk factors and various clinical aspects of varicose veins of lower limb of the patients.Methods: The clinical study involved 21 patients with lower limb varicose veins admitted in the surgical wards of Karnataka Medical College Hospital Hubli, during the period from January 1990 to February 1992. Clinical proforma was prepared before starting the study and based on this proforma the data was collected and analyzed.Results: Majority of the patients (42.8%) were under the age group of 21-30 years. Male predominance (95.3%) was seen. Majority (85.7%) of the patient’s occupation was involved in prolonged periods of standing and violent muscular efforts. The most common symptom was pain and prominent veins noted in 10 (47.64%) patients. varicosities were distributed equally in both the limbs (42.86%). Long saphenous vein involvement was seen in 18 (85.72%) cases. Incompetent perforator was observed in 20 cases.Conclusions: We conclude that occupations involving prolonged periods of standing and violent physical effort are the major contributing factors for prevalence of varicose veins. Hence care to be taken to avoid its incidence by doing the physical activities that can improve the blood circulation and muscle tone in lower limbs.