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Med. Pr. 2006;57(4):365-373

Influence of environmental risk factors on the development of chronic vein insufficiency

Wpływ czynników środowiskowych na rozwój przewlekłej niewydolności żylnej

Iwona Sudoł-Szopińska1, Krzysztof Błachowiak2, Piotr Koziński3 1 Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Warszawa, Poland 2 Regional Hospital of Poznań, Poland 3 Military Institute of the Health Services, Warszawa, Poland

Abstract

In European countries, vein diseases pose a serious social problem; as many as 35% of professionally active population, 50% of pensioners, and every second female suffer from this disease. Chronic vein insufficiency (CVI) is one of the most frequent forms of vein diseases, particularly in developed countries; it is thought to concern one third of the population. This paper presents basic information on CVI epidemiology, etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology and also reviews the literature on the following CVI risk factors: obesity, lack of physical activity, dietary habits, including constipation, pregnancy, genetic factors as well as prolonged sedentary or upright position during job performance.

Key words

chronic venous insufficiency, risk factors