Epidemiological, life style, and occupational factors associated with lower limb varicose veins: a case control study

Abstract

Background Few data were documented about risk factors for lower limb varicose veins (LLVV) among Egyptian population. Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial to plan for prevention. The current research aims to study the epidemiological, life style, and occupational factors associated with LLVV in a sample of Egyptian population. Methods A case control study was adopted. Cases with LLVV (n = 150) were compared with controls (n = 150). Data was collected using an interview questionnaire and clinical assessment. Data was analyzed using the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results According to multivariate analysis among all participants (n = 300), the odds of LLVV was 59.8 times greater for those who frequently lift heavy objects (95% CI = 6.01, 584.36) and 6.95 times higher for those who drink < 5 cups of water/day (95% CI = 2.78, 17.33). Moreover, it was 4.27 times greater for those who infrequently/never consume fiber-rich foods (95% CI = 1.95, 9.37) and 3.65 times greater for those who stand > 4 h/day (95% CI = 1.63, 8.17). Additionally, odds of LLVV was 3.34 times greater for those who report irregular defecation habit (95% CI = 1.68, 6.60), and 2.86 times higher for those who sleep < 8 h/day (95% CI = 1.14, 7.16), and 2.53 times higher for smokers compared with ex-smokers/non-smokers (95% CI = 1.15, 5.58). In addition, a standing posture at work was an independent predictor of LLVV among ever employed participants (n = 234) in the current study (OR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.02, 9.38). Conclusions This study highlighted seven modifiable independent predictors of LLVV mostly related to the life style, namely, frequent lifting of heavy objects, drinking < 5 cups of water/day, infrequent/no consumption of fiber-rich food, standing more than 4 h/day, irregular defecation habit, sleeping less than 8 h/day, and smoking. These findings provide a basis to design an evidence-based low-cost strategy for prevention of LLVV among Egyptian population.

Factores asociados con la enfermedad venosa crónica: estudio en 1.136 pacientes tratados por várices de miembros inferiores en una clínica especializada en Colombia

“…There is no consistency in the literature whether smoking plays an important role in the development of varicose veins. In line with the present study, some authors did not observed such relationship; 23 , 24 conversely, Yuan et al recently reported that smoking is an independent risk factor (OR = 2.53; 95%CI = 1.15–5.58), 25 whereas other authors found that there may be a positive association between genetic predisposition to smoking initiation and risk for varicose veins (OR = 1.12; 95%CI = 1.04–1.22; p = 0.004). 26 Based on Burkit's hypothesis on the association between intestinal transit time and different diseases, constipation emerges as a factor that some authors relate to the development of varicose veins, due to increased intra-abdominal pressure; 27 however, the association with this factor could not be confirmed, since prevalence in this population was low.…”

“…No hay consistencia en la literatura acerca de si el tabaquismo juega o no un papel importante en el desarrollo de várices. Al igual que en este estudio, algunos no encuentran esta relación 23 , 24 ; sin embargo, recientemente, Yuan et al reportan que el cigarrillo es un factor de riesgo independiente (OR = 2.53; IC95% = 1.15, 5.58) 25 , mientras que otros encuentran que pudiera haber una asociación positiva en la predisposición genética a fumar con el riesgo de várices (OR = 1,12; IC95% = 1,04–1,22; p = 0,004) 26 . Desde la hipótesis de Burkit sobre el tránsito intestinal lento y su asociación con diferentes enfermedades, la constipación aparece como un factor relacionado por algunos autores para el desarrollo de várices por el aumento de la presión intrabdominal 27 .…”

A Study of Demographic Factors and Clinical Profile of Varicose Veins in Adults

“…(Z=0.58; P=0.56). No significant association was found between smoking and alcoholism and the occurrence of varicose veins which was comparable with the reports of Carpentier et al [25] but contrary to the findings of Gourgou S et al [21] Elamrawy et al [26] noted that smoking was an independent predictor of lower limb varicose veins, smokers had a 2.53 times greater risk to develop varicose veins. They even noted that smoking intensity was significantly associated with varicose veins; moderate/heavy smokers had a 6.27 times greater risk to develop varicose veins.…”

The role of peripheral arterial occlusive disease in the healing of venous ulcers

“…The frequency of CVI is quite controversial, according to several studies in which different data is presented. Thus, it may be said that it is present in 5-25% of the population depending on which part of the world is concerned [4][5][6].…”