Was ist chronische Veneninsuffizienz?

According to the American Heart Association, CVI - a form of chronic venous disease - is vcommon in older adults. However, as the condition is under-recognised, it is also undertreated, meaning there is an increased risk for heart problems and death.

Causes of CVI

There are several factors which increase your chances of developing CVI, these include:

• Älteres Alter.

• Fettleibigkeit.

• Rauchen.

• Sedentary lifestyle.

• Having existing heart or blood vessel conditions.

Growing older is, in general, the main reason that increases your chance of CVI. As you age, the valves in your leg veins, which are responsible for maintaining blood flow towards the heart, can weaken or become damaged. This makes it harder for blood to flow back efficiently, allowing backward flow of blood in the veins, leading to blood pooling in the legs and the development of CVI.

Joshua A. Beckman, M.D., FAHA, former volunteer chair of the AHA’s Vascular Health Advisory Committee and Scientific Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease says: “CVI can significantly impact your quality of life, but early detection and treatment can make a substantial difference.

“That is why it is vital to be aware of the signs and symptoms of CVI so you can seek timely medical evaluation and intervention.”

Symptoms of CVI

Pain is the most common symptom of CVI. One of the other main symptoms is swelling (oedema). President Trump’s diagnosis came to light after he had mild swelling in his lower leg.

The White House has said there is no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease, and all laboratory results are within normal limits.

Other symptoms of CVI include varicose veins and skin changes. Skin changes commonly called ‘venous eczema’ or ‘stasis dermatitis,’ appear as red, itchy, or scaly patches on the lower legs caused by poor blood flow and ulcerations. The condition can result in pain, itching, or bleeding in the affected area, as well as aching, cramping, throbbing, leg fatigue, heaviness, or restless legs.

What is the treatment for CVI?

Treatment for CVI includes compression therapy - multilayer and short stretch bandaging, elastic garments, and graded compression stockings. Anti-inflammatory steroid ointments, antibiotics, and diuretics may also be prescribed.

Patienten wählen aus für Herzkrankheiten

Herzgesundheit und Blutgefäße

What is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death?

Every year in the UK, 100,000 people die of a sudden cardiac arrest, making it the nation's biggest killer. Sudden cardiac death kills more people than lung cancer, breast cancer and AIDS combined. It's important to know the warning signs of a heart condition so it can be treated as early as possible, and what might put you at risk.

von Emily Jane Bashforth

Herzgesundheit und Blutgefäße

Vorhofseptumdefekt

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole (defect) in the wall (septum) between the heart's two upper, or collecting, chambers (atria). One chamber is known as an atrium. The septum separates the heart's left and right side. A septal defect is sometime called a 'hole' in the heart. It is the third most common heart problem that babies are born with. Many defects in the atrial septum close themselves and cause no problems. Otherwise, they can be closed by keyhole procedure or surgery. Most babies born with a defect in the septum have normal survival.

von Dr. Colin Tidy, MRCGP