Why It’s Time to Rethink Varicose Veins

Many people consider varicose veins to be simply a cosmetic issue, so they delay treatment or avoid it completely. The truth is, untreated varicose veins can progress to a more serious form of vein (venous) disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which can present more serious signs and symptoms such as pain, ankle swelling, fatigue of the legs, skin damage and ulcers.

That’s why a coalition of medical societies is coming together for the Rethink Varicose Veins campaign to encourage the more than 30 million Americans with venous disease, including varicose veins and CVI, to learn more and see a vein specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Fortunately, several minimally-invasive treatment options are available that are covered by many insurance plans.

They’re more than just a cosmetic problem!

If left untreated, varicose veins can progress to a more serious form of vein (venous) disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), with signs and symptoms that worsen over time. That’s why the Society for Vascular Surgery®, American Venous Forum and American College of Phlebology have teamed up to encourage those with varicose veins to talk to a vein specialist.

You don’t have to suffer in silence.

There are effective and minimally-invasive treatments available that are covered by many insurance plans.

So talk to a vein specialist today! They can help you get screened for varicose veins and CVI and discuss a treatment option that may be right for you.

Find out more

Visit www.RethinkVaricoseVeins.com to:

• Learn more about varicose veins, CVI and treatment options
• Take a self-assessment
• Find a vein specialist

Facts about varicose veins and CVI

• More than 30 million Americans suffer from venous disease, including varicose veins and CVI (i,ii)
• Only 1.9 million of those seek treatment annually (iii), while the vast majority remain undiagnosed and untreated*
• More people lose work time over vein disorders than from artery disease (iv)
• Varicose veins are the most recognizable form of venous disease; when the condition progresses to CVI, signs and symptoms can include pain, swelling, restlessness and fatigue of the legs, skin damage and ulcers

* Statistics based on individuals over the age of 40
i Gloviczki, P., MD., Comerota, A., MD., Dalsing, M., MD., Eklof, B., MD., Gillespie, D., MD., Gloviczki, M., MD.,… Wakefield, T., MD. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. J Vasc Surg. 2011 May; 53(5 Suppl): 2S-48S
ii “Age and sex composition: 2010.” In 2010 United States of America Census (c2010br-03). Web. http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-03.pdf
iii US Markets for Varicose Vein Treatment Devices 2011, Millennium Research Group 2011.
iv“Chronic venous insufficiency: What is it?” Venous Disease Coalition. June 2010. Web. http:// www.venousdiseasecoalition.org/diseaseinfo/cvi/

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