Diagnosis and management of varicose veins in the legs: summary of NICE guidance

Varicose veins in the lower limbs are a common problem, estimated to affect at least a third of the UK population.1 Although some individuals with varicose veins remain asymptomatic, others may experience pain, aching, heaviness, and itching, that can impair quality of life.2 3 About 10% of people w...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ (Online) 2013-07, Vol.347 (jul24 1), p.f4279-f4279
Main Authors: Marsden, Grace, Perry, Mark, Kelley, Kate, Davies, Alun H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ablation
Ablation Techniques
Compression Bandages
Compression therapy
Diagnosis
Female
Health services
Humans
Lasers
Leg Ulcer - complications
Leg ulcers
Medical diagnosis
Obesity
Patient Education as Topic
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Pregnancy
Quality of life
Referral and Consultation
Sclerotherapy
Thrombosis
Ultrasonic imaging
Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex
Varicose veins
Varicose Veins - diagnosis
Varicose Veins - therapy
Vascular surgery
Veins
Venous Thrombosis - complications
Weight control
Womens health
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Summary:Varicose veins in the lower limbs are a common problem, estimated to affect at least a third of the UK population.1 Although some individuals with varicose veins remain asymptomatic, others may experience pain, aching, heaviness, and itching, that can impair quality of life.2 3 About 10% of people with varicose veins go on to develop skin changes, such as pigmentation or eczema,4 while about 3% may develop venous ulcers.5 At present there is substantial variation across the UK as to who qualifies for referral or treatment, and how varicose veins are treated.6 Clear guidance on which individuals should be referred to specialist vascular services, as well as the most clinically effective and cost effective treatment, is required. This article summarises the most recent recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).7
ISSN:0959-8138
1756-1833
1756-1833
DOI:10.1136/bmj.f4279