The effect of graduated elastic compression stockings on femoral blood flow velocity during late pregnancy.
The effect on femoral vein flow velocity of graduated compression was studied in ten women during late pregnancy. The maternal heart rate increased significantly when the position was changed from supine to vertical. This orthostatic increase was significantly reduced when graduated compression exerting 25 mmHg at the ankle level was applied. Closely related to these findings was a significantly decreased femoral vein flow velocity in the vertical position, less pronounced when graduated compression was used. The flow velocity was also significantly higher with compression than without in the standing position. These findings support the use of graduated compression during late pregnancy.
Norgren
L
L
Department of Surgery, Lund University, Sweden.
Austrell
C
C
Nilsson
L
L
D000328:Adult; D001458:Bandages; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*