🧠🩸 Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)


Causes, symptoms and treatment

🩺 What is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)?

The chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) This is a common condition affecting the leg veins, in which the return of blood to the heart is impaired. Weakness of the venous valves leads to a backflow (reflux) of blood, causing pressure to build up in the veins.

In the long term, this leads to changes in the skin and tissue and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications.


⚠️ Recognizing the symptoms of CVI

Typical symptoms often develop gradually:

  • Heavy and tired legs
  • Swelling (especially in the evening)
  • A feeling of tension or pressure in the legs
  • Visible varicose veins or spider veins
  • Skin discoloration (brownish)
  • Itching or skin changes

    • In advanced stages, open wounds (ulcus cruris) can occur.


    📊 Stages of chronic venous insufficiency

    The disease is divided into different stages:

    • Stage I: Edema, feeling of heaviness
    • Stage II: Skin changes (pigmentation, eczema)
    • Stage III: Ulcus cruris (open leg)

      • Early treatment can significantly slow the progression.


      🧬 Causes and risk factors

      CVI arises from a combination of different factors:

      • Genetic predisposition
      • Lack of exercise
      • Prolonged sitting or standing
      • Overweight
      • pregnancy
      • Old

        • Modern lifestyle habits, in particular, promote the development of the disease.


        🩺 Diagnostics – When should you see a doctor?

        At the first signs, an examination should be carried out by:

        • Vascular surgeon
        • Phlebologist
        • Angiologist

        The most important examination is the Duplex sonography, which is used to assess blood flow in the veins.


        💊 Treatment of CVI

        The therapy depends on the stage of the disease:

        Conservative therapy:
        • Compression therapy (stockings)
        • Movement and activation of the muscle pump
        • Weight loss
        • Lifestyle adjustment

        Interventional / surgical therapy:
        • Sclerotherapy (sclerosing)
        • Laser or radio wave therapy
        • Surgical removal of varicose veins


        🌿 Holistic approach

        In addition to classical therapy, supporting vascular function also plays a role:

        • antioxidant nutrients
        • plant extracts
        • Improve microcirculation


          • 📍 Conclusion

          Chronic venous insufficiency is a widespread but treatable condition. Early diagnosis and individually tailored therapy are crucial.


          ⚖️ Medical advice (legally recommended)

          The content of this website is for general information purposes only and does not replace no medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

          Individual health decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified specialist, in particular a Vascular surgeons, Phlebologists or Angiologists.

          In case of acute symptoms or suspicion of a serious illness (e.g. thrombosis), a medical examination should be carried out immediately.