Journal of Vascular Medicine & Surgery

Abstract

The Systemic Impact of Varicose Veins on Edema

Shinji Tomita*

Classically, edema is categorized into systemic and local types, with varicose veins being a common local cause. In a recent study published in Phlebology (May 2024), we hypothesized that varicose vein treatment could reduce edema not only in affected legs but also systemically. Using a body composition analyzer (InBody 770), we confirmed that the extracellular water ratio (E/T) was elevated (>0.390) in patients with varicose veins across multiple body regions. Post-treatment, E/T ratios decreased significantly in the treated leg, untreated leg, trunk, and entire body. These findings suggest that varicose veins contribute to systemic edema, challenging the traditional view of varicose veins as a localized condition. This concept, underexplored in current literature, emphasizes the systemic implications of venous insufficiency and necessitates multidisciplinary research to further understand and manage the broader impacts of varicose veins on overall health.

Published Date: 2025-09-23; Received Date: 2024-06-21