Vein problems in legs affecting young people in China

Varicose veins — enlarged, twisted veins that can develop in the legs — are often associated with older women, but now they appear to be affecting younger people.

Experts say the condition, which affects both the physical appearance and quality of life of patients, is not only noticeable and may be embarrassing but can result in serious complications if left untreated, including skin damage and venous ulcers.

To increase disease awareness and promote early diagnosis and treatment, Servier China and AliHealth have teamed up and released the 2021 Venous Disease Internet Insights Report.

As the first comprehensive report about the current situation facing patients, the report examines needs and advocates early standardized diagnosis and treatment.

Some 120 million patients in China have varicose veins — usually in the legs — from veins that don’t allow blood to flow back up to the heart.

The condition affects more than 80 million females in China. Risk factors include obesity, older age, inactivity, pregnancy, smoking and taking oral contraceptive pills or hormone replacements, according to Johns Hopkins.

Normally, tiny valves in the veins make sure that blood flows up. But when these valves don’t work well, blood can also flow backwards, causing blood to collect in the legs.

Currently, the primary treatments are drug-based therapy, compression therapy, sclerotherapy (injections that destroy abnormal blood vessels) and surgery.

According to the report, there has been an uptick in lower-limb vein problems in recent years among younger people in China with vein problems in their lower limbs. The trend is closely related to unhealthy living habits, especially lack of exercise and maintaining the same posture, such as sitting, for extended periods."

The problem veins are not always large. Smaller ones, commonly called spider veins, can also appear. Women are most likely to seek treatment, the report said, noting that early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to manage the disease.

"We hope to provide Chinese doctors and patients with convenient, scientific and comprehensive treatment plans and professional advice covering the entire course of the disease, said Stephane Mascarau, general manager of Servier China.

Ma Li, senior vice-president of AliHealth, said improved access to internet-based healthcare services can help guide people seeking early standardized treatment.

There are some things people can do to help prevent varicose veins, said Chen Yuexin, chief physician in the Department of Vascular Surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

"One of the keys is to maintain an active lifestyle and avoid standing and sitting in the same positions for long periods," Chen said. "Also, perform intermittent leg extension activities."