BACKGROUND: Chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs is the most prevalent venous disease. There is an ongoing debate about its etiology and pathophysiology. Several risk factors have been associated with its development, such as age, sex and diet. Obesity is a public health problem and its prevalence has been increasing. Color Doppler ultrasonography is a useful method to evaluate the presence of reflux and/or obstruction of the venous system. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of superficial venous insufficiency and associated symptoms in obese and non-obese patients. METHODS: After weighing, height measurement and physical examination, patients with body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m² and >35 kg/m² and complaints compatible with venous insufficiency were divided into groups I and II, respectively. They underwent color Doppler ultrasonography of the lower limbs, in order to assess the presence or absence of reflux. RESULTS: A total of 311 limbs of 168 patients 25 to 72 years old were examined. For statistical analysis, complaints of varicose veins, pain, swelling, dermatitis, eczema and ulcers, associated or not, were considered. A total of 109 and 104 limbs with varicose veins were obtained in groups I and II, respectively. The prevalence of visible varicose veins (p<0.001) and visible varicose veins with pain (p=0.0118) was higher in group I. Complaints of varicose veins with edema (p<0.001), only edema (p<0.001) and edema with pain (p<0.001) were more prevalent in group II. Data did not present significant statistical difference in the prevalence of varicose veins between groups I and II. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of varicose veins in obese and non-obese individuals is similar ; clinical complaints differ between groups and are consistent and dependent on the presence of venous insufficiency.
Venous insufficiency; saphenous vein; obesity; lower extremity
