Varicose Veins: a Risk Factor for Atherosclerotic Disease in Middle-aged Men?

Abstract

Ducimetiere P [INSERM Unité 169 16 Bis Avenue, P.V. Couturier, 94800 Vlllejuif, France], Richard JL, Pequignot G and Warnet JM. Varicose veins: a risk factor for atherosclerotic disease In middle-aged men? International Journal of Epidemiology 1981, 10: 329–335. Factors associated with the presence of varicose veins were studied among 7432 male employees aged 42–53 (Paris Prospective Study). The prevalence of varicose veins was higher among lower social class subjects and was positively associated with a body-mass index, cigarette consumption and dlastolic blood pressure. A detailed dietary survey in a subsample of the population showed a significantly higher total calory intake in men with varicose veins but no difference in the distribution of the various nutrients. During follow up for subsequent atherosclerotic disease (average 6.6 yrs), men with varicose veins were at a significantly higher risk for Intermittent claudlcation and, at least in the lower social class, for hard coronary heart disease. No association was found with angina pectoris incidence.