A recent study published in Open Heart has uncovered a significant link between hypersensitivity to cold, particularly in the feet, and the presence of varicose veins, a common but often underestimated condition. The study also highlights the association between leg heaviness and varicose veins, underscoring the importance of recognizing these symptoms in diagnosing the condition.
Varicose veins, which affect 2% to 30% of adults, typically occur due to impaired functioning of the deep or superficial veins, as well as perforator veins that connect these two systems. While the condition is widely recognized for symptoms such as aching, throbbing, and swelling in the legs, less attention has been paid to the connection between varicose veins and cold hypersensitivity, which is often dismissed as a subjective symptom.
The study, conducted using data from the Taiwan Biobank, involved 8,782 participants aged 30 to 70 who had moderate to severe varicose veins. The participants were asked about their sensitivity to cold, particularly in their feet, and their experiences of leg heaviness. Researchers also gathered data on factors such as age, gender, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and job type, which may influence the condition.
Findings from the study revealed that individuals who reported moderate to extreme cold hypersensitivity were significantly more likely to have varicose veins. Among participants with extreme cold sensitivity, more than 14% had varicose veins, compared to just over 6% of those without cold sensitivity. Statistical analysis further demonstrated that those with moderate to severe cold hypersensitivity had a 49%-89% increased likelihood of developing varicose veins.
The study also highlighted that people with varicose veins were four times more likely to report heavy legs compared to those without the condition. Job types that involved prolonged standing were associated with a 45% higher likelihood of developing varicose veins.
Interestingly, the coexistence of cold hypersensitivity and leg heaviness was found to significantly increase the likelihood of varicose veins. Those who reported both symptoms were far more likely to have varicose veins, with the likelihood rising by 90% for those with moderate cold hypersensitivity, and more than tripling for those with extreme sensitivity.
Although the study does not establish causality and relies on self-reported data, it calls attention to the underappreciated role that cold sensitivity plays in the overall picture of varicose veins. Researchers argue that healthcare providers often overlook these symptoms, which could lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
The findings stress the importance of acknowledging the full spectrum of symptoms associated with varicose veins, particularly the sensation of coldness in the lower extremities, which has been largely disregarded in clinical practice. According to the researchers, recognizing the combination of cold sensitivity and leg heaviness could help clinicians more accurately diagnose varicose veins and provide more effective treatment options.
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