Lifestyle factors and the risk of varicose veins: Edinburgh Vein Study

The objective of this study was to determine the inter-relationships between a range of lifestyle factors and risk of varicose veins to identify which factors may be implicated in the etiology. An age-stratified random sample of 1566 subjects (699 men and 867 women) aged 18 to 64 years was selected...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of clinical epidemiology 2003-02, Vol.56 (2), p.171-179
Main Authors: Lee, Amanda J., Evans, Christine J., Allan, Paul L., Ruckley, C.Vaughan, Fowkes, F.Gerald R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Age Distribution
Biological and medical sciences
Blood and lymphatic vessels
Body Height
Body Mass Index
Cardiology. Vascular system
Cross-Sectional Studies
Diseases of the peripheral vessels. Diseases of the vena cava. Miscellaneous
Epidemiology
Female
Humans
Life Style
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Odds Ratio
Physical Examination
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Scotland - epidemiology
Sex Distribution
Studies
Surveys and Questionnaires
Varicose veins
Varicose Veins - epidemiology
Varicose Veins - etiology
Veins & arteries
Women
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Summary:The objective of this study was to determine the inter-relationships between a range of lifestyle factors and risk of varicose veins to identify which factors may be implicated in the etiology. An age-stratified random sample of 1566 subjects (699 men and 867 women) aged 18 to 64 years was selected from 12 general practices throughout Edinburgh. A detailed self-administered questionnaire was completed, and a comprehensive physical examination determined the presence and severity of varicose veins. The slightly higher age-adjusted prevalence of varicose veins in men than in women (39.7% versus 32.2%) was not explained by adjustment for an extensive range of lifestyle risk factors (male odds ratio [OR] 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51–2.96). In both sexes, increasing height showed a significant relationship with varicose veins (male OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.18–1.93 and female OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01–1.58). Among women, body mass index was associated with an increased risk of varicose veins (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02–1.54). The current study casts doubt as to whether varicose veins occur predominantly in women. In addition, no consistent relationship with any lifestyle factor was shown. Self-reported evidence suggested a familial susceptibility, thereby warranting future genetic studies.
ISSN:0895-4356
1878-5921
DOI:10.1016/S0895-4356(02)00518-8