Heritability of Venous Function in Humans

Abstract

Objectives— Venous function contributes to the pathogenesis of thrombophlebitis, venous thrombosis, and possibly to arterial hypertension. Venous disease is presumably heritable; however, the genetic variance of venous function is unknown. Methods and Results— We determined the heritability of venous function in 46 twin pairs (24 monozygotic, age 35±11 years, 14 men, 34 women; 22 dizygotic, age 30±8 years, 19 men, 25 women). After a resting phase in the supine position, we determined venous function in both legs by impedance plethysmography. Venous capacity was determined by a standardized protocol. In addition, we obtained venous pressure volume curves by slowly deflating a thigh cuff from 60 to 0 mm Hg. Venous compliance was determined as the steepest part of the venous pressure volume curve. Heritability was estimated using a path modeling approach. Unadjusted heritability was 0.6 ( P P Conclusions— We conclude that venous function is strongly influenced by genetic factors. The genes involved may influence venous disease states.