title: Most patients with varicose veins have fears or concerns about the future, in addition to their presenting symptoms.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aimed to document fears and concerns of patients about their varicose veins.
  
  
  METHODS
  Completed questionnaires about symptoms and concerns were brought to clinic by 62% (203/329) patients referred with uncomplicated primary varicose veins. 'Concerns, worries or fears' about their veins were reported by 79%. These were seldom mentioned in referral letters, and included fears about thrombosis (31%), trauma (16%), ulcers (15%) and general concerns about the future (57%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many patients have unrecognised fears and concerns about their varicose veins. Specific enquiry and reassurance about these is part of good management and may avoid unnecessary treatment.
authors.affiliation: Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK. bruce.campbell@nice.nhs.uk
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Decaluwe
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Macintyre
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Cowan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000523:psychology*