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Patient coordinatorVenous insufficiency in young adults
Introduction
Chronic venous insufficiency For many years, it was associated with middle-aged and elderly people. Research in recent years (including by the Phlebology Clinic team) shows that the onset of venous insufficiency occurs as early as adolescence between the ages of 10 and 16 years. According to recent epidemiological studies, up to 20% people before the age of 30 show the first symptoms of venous insufficiency, which represents a significant challenge for modern phlebology.
It is assumed that the number of anatomical variations in the structure of the venous system that lead to pelvic venous insufficiency in young people over time is constant. However, lifestyles have changed, and not for the better. Prolonged sedentary positions, limited physical activity, the growing problem of obesity (affecting more than 25% children), and the overuse of strength training in young adults are just some of the factors that contribute to the increased incidence of venous insufficiency.
Factors that increase the risk
occurrence of venous insufficiency at a young age
- female gender
- hereditary conditions
- congenital vascular malformations
- high height and obesity
- strength training in interview
- prolonged sitting (e.g. IT industry) or standing
- persistent constipation
- postural defects (e.g. scoliosis)
- oral contraception
- flat feet
Mechanism of venous insufficiency
The factor causing symptomatic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs is the so-called intravascular hypertension prevailing inside the venous bed. This leads to a gradual dilatation of the veins, stasis, followed by backflow through the insufficient venous valves and then the formation of the first visible signs on the skin: venous spider veins (so-called telangiectasia and venlectasia).
As modern research shows, this process already occurs in children with certain predispositions, both anatomical and genetic. Varicose veins of the lower limbs naturally develop after a certain period of time. First, pelvic venous insufficiency occurs, which in a descending mechanism overloads the veins of the lower limbs and gradually stretches them.
Did you know?
Spending more than 6 hours a day sitting in front of a computer or smartphone increases the risk of teenagers developing venous insufficiency by as much as 40%?
Tomasz Grzela, MD, PhD
Causes of formation
venous insufficiency of lower limbs in children and young adults
1. Venous valve disorders:
- original (Congenital) venous valve insufficiency - is associated with abnormal development of the venous valves during the fetal period or their complete absence (a fairly rare cause).
- secondary Valve insufficiency - in young people, overloaded venous valve insufficiency can develop as early as 10-14 years of age.
2. structural disorders:
- Venous malformations - particularly relevant in children and adolescents, where they initially cause localised congestion of the venous system, and with age the problem can spread to larger areas of the vessels. They are often detected as early as infancy or early childhood.
- Congenital developmental anomalies of the venous system - may include abnormal vascular connections, hypoplasia of the veins or aplasia of the veins, leading to impaired blood flow.
3. Secondary haemodynamic disorders:
- Vestibular compression phenomena - occur from early childhood and may increase during growth;
- Pelvic venous insufficiency - rare in boys, more common in girls, especially at 14-16 years of age (puberty).
4. risk factors specific to young age:
- intense physical exertion (e.g. competitive sport) in young children
- rapid growth during adolescence
- too little physical activity
- childhood obesity (an increasingly common factor in today's world)
- connective tissue disorders (e.g. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)
- genetic predisposition - especially important in the presence of venous insufficiency in the family
- in young women, the influence of sex hormones, especially during puberty, and rapid growth with a target height of more than 180 cm.
Treatment methods
Mostly
questions asked
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Yes, prolonged work at a computer in a seated position with legs down is a significant risk factor. Spending more than six hours a day in this position increases the risk of developing venous insufficiency by 40%. Therefore, it is important to take regular breaks for movement and exercise, preferably every hour.
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Yes, venous insufficiency can reduce physical performance and affect sports performance in young people. It manifests itself in faster leg fatigue, a feeling of heaviness and discomfort during training. This causes rapid discouragement in the child. Appropriate sports activity and proper prevention (including medical or sports compression during training) can help control symptoms and improve sports performance.
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There is compelling evidence that the first symptoms of venous insufficiency can appear as early as in the early school years. A study of children aged 10-12 years found isolated reflux points, which are the starting point for the formation of venous insufficiency. They most commonly occur at the level of the saphenous vein trunk outlet into the veins of the deep system.
In young people, mainly females aged 14-16 years, in whom the problem of venous insufficiency exists family, there are more potential sources of reflux. Based on our experience in the treatment and diagnosis of venous insufficiency, it can be said that it is increasingly being detected and treated in people under 20 years of age. This is largely due to from greater awareness young patients and their parents.
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Fairly common symptoms of venous insufficiency occurring early in life include:
- feeling of heavy legs at the end of the day
- swelling around the ankles
- a feeling of restlessness in the legs
- visible fine vascular "spider veins"
- in girls: heaviness of legs during menstruation
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The first symptoms of venous insufficiency can occur as early as adolescence, even in 10-14-year-olds. Children with sedentary lifestyles, who are overweight or have a genetic load are particularly at risk. In approximately 12% adolescents aged 12-16 years, the first symptoms of the condition are already observed, more often in girls due to hormonal factors and the more frequent occurrence of anomalies in the structure of the venous system.
How do varicose veins develop?
How do varicose veins really develop? In this video we cover the mechanisms leading to the development of this common symptom of venous insufficiency. Understanding the process is a key for effective prevention and treatment! 🔑
Dr Venus: virtual patient advisor
Looking for an answer to your vein question? Ask our Dr. Venus!
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How soon can my daughter develop pelvic venous insufficiency? -
Pelvic venous insufficiency can occur in young women and the first symptoms can appear as early as 12-14 years of age, especially during puberty.
Modern vein treatment
We offer treatment both on an outpatient basis and in day ward admissions. The stay is of short duration. The patient spends between 1 and 5 hours in the Clinic.
