Although they are often seen only as an aesthetic problem, varicose veins can signal important changes in circulation, affecting leg comfort and health. Among the best known signs are heavy sensation, toplay, itching, liquid retention and swelling, as well as ulcers in more severe cases.
However, the study “Cold hypersensitivity in the lower extremities: an underappreciated symptom in patients with varicose veins”published in the magazine Open Heartexpands this list by highlighting that sensitivity to cold – especially in the feet – can also indicate the presence of the condition.
“This observational study does not allow to establish causal factors. But it is important to highlight the importance of concomitant symptoms of weight and cold feet. When these symptoms coexist, the likelihood of confirming the presence of varicose veins is greater compared to individuals without these symptoms,” explains vascular surgeon Dr. Aline Lamaita, member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery.
Varicose veins are usually caused by impairing the functioning of deep or superficial veins and perforating veins (short veins that connect superficial and deep vein systems in the legs).
Research data on hypersensitivity and varicose veins
To explore the association between cold hypersensitivity, heavy legs and varicose veinsScientists collected data from January 2008 to December 2020, including Taiwan Biobank, Taiwan’s largest genetic and population database. In total, 8,782 participants aged 30 to 70 years, with moderate and severe varicose veins, were included in the analysis.
“They were asked about their hypersensitivity to the cold in the feet and the intensity of the weight of the legs in the legs. Among them, 1535 participants claimed to be moderately hypersensitive to cold, of which just over 9% (144) had varicose veins; and 1359 claimed to be extremely hypersensitive to cold, of which just over 14% (192) had varicose veins. Cold was associated with a probability of 49% to 89% higher of varicose veins compared to the absence of hypersensitivity, ”explains Dr. Aline Lamaita.
Similarly, four times more people with varicose veins had heavy legs than those without the condition. “The type of work was also an influential factor: works that involve standing for a long time have been associated with a 45% larger probability of varicose veins,” explains the doctor.
The association between varicose veins and heavy legs It was also significant. “In the absence of cold hypersensitivity, those who reported a sense of heavy legs were seven times more likely to have varicose veins than in those who did not report heavy sensation in the legs,” says the vascular surgeon.
Importance of recognizing the least valued symptoms
The study published in the magazine Open Heart It points out that health professionals often underestimate the gravity and implications of varicose veins, leading to neglect, and there is usually a gap in understanding the comprehensive spectrum of associated symptoms.
“Often, the feeling of cold is often relegated to a background among the many symptoms of varicose veins. The early identification of these less valued symptoms, such as the cold hypersensitivity And the feeling of weight in the legs can be an important ally in preventing the progression of varicose veins, ”says Dr. Aline Lamaita.
According to the doctor, this can assist in the treatment of varicose veins. “By expanding the clinical look at signals that are traditionally underestimated, doctors can indicate more accurate investigations and early stages of the disease, avoiding more serious complications such as venous ulcers and thrombosis,” he concludes.
By Guilherme Zanette