Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
(Part 6)
Medications to Treat CVI:
* Antibiotics to clear skin infections or ulcers caused by CVI. These medications don’t treat the underlying disease.
* Anticoagulants, or “blood thinners,” to treat blood clots and prevent future blood clots from forming.
Prevention
What are the risk factors for chronic venous insufficiency?
If you have risk factors for CVI, you’re more likely than other people to develop the disease. Risk factors include:
* History of deep vein thrombosis (most important)
* Varicose veins or a family history of varicose veins
* Obesity
* Pregnancy
* Not getting enough physical activity
* Smoking and tobacco use
* Sitting or standing for long periods of time
* Sleeping in a chair or recliner
* May-Thurner syndrome
* Being female
* Being over age 50
How can I prevent chronic venous insufficiency?
Sometimes, CVI can’t be prevented. But you can lower your risk of CVI and other vein problems by making some lifestyle changes. These include:
* Avoid smoking and tobacco use.
* Avoid wearing restrictive clothing like tight girdles or belts.
* Don’t sit or stand for too long at a time. Get up and move around as often as you can.
* Eat a heart-healthy diet. This includes reducing your sodium (salt) intake.
* Exercise regularly.
* Keep a healthy weight.
If you’ve had DVT, your provider may recommend anticoagulants. (To be continued)