title: Lifestyle factors and the risk of varicose veins: Edinburgh Vein Study.
abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the inter-relationships between a range of lifestyle factors and risk of varicose veins to identify which factors may be implicated in the etiology. An age-stratified random sample of 1566 subjects (699 men and 867 women) aged 18 to 64 years was selected from 12 general practices throughout Edinburgh. A detailed self-administered questionnaire was completed, and a comprehensive physical examination determined the presence and severity of varicose veins. The slightly higher age-adjusted prevalence of varicose veins in men than in women (39.7% versus 32.2%) was not explained by adjustment for an extensive range of lifestyle risk factors (male odds ratio [OR] 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51-2.96). In both sexes, increasing height showed a significant relationship with varicose veins (male OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.18-1.93 and female OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01-1.58). Among women, body mass index was associated with an increased risk of varicose veins (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02-1.54). The current study casts doubt as to whether varicose veins occur predominantly in women. In addition, no consistent relationship with any lifestyle factor was shown. Self-reported evidence suggested a familial susceptibility, thereby warranting future genetic studies.
authors.affiliation: Wolfson Unit for Prevention of Peripheral Vascular Diseases, Public Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, United Kingdom. Amanda.Lee@ed.ac.uk
authors.forename: Amanda J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Christine J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: Paul L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Allan
authors.forename: C Vaughan
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Ruckley
authors.forename: F Gerald R
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Fowkes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010808:Physical Examination; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*