What is a venous insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart.

What causes venous insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency involves one or more veins. Valves in the veins usually push the flow of blood toward the heart. When these valves are damaged, the blood leaks and pools in the legs and feet. The condition may also be caused by a blockage in a vein from a clot (deep vein thrombosis).

Chronic venous insufficiency is a long-term condition. It occurs because of partial vein blockage or blood leakage around the valves of the veins.

Risk factors for venous insufficiency include:

• Age
• Being female (related to levels of the hormone progesterone)
• Being tall
• Genetic factors
• Obesity
• Pregnancy