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Why are people more likely to have venous disease in summer?

Cyril Maurice: Venous insufficiency is caused by severe inflammation of the venous system in the lower parts of the body.

It is a result of poor blood circulation in the veins of the lower limbs, generally due to a malfunction of the valves in the vein walls. These valves, which resemble “flaps”, prevent blood from flowing backwards. This is why their obstruction interferes with the proper flow of blood to the heart.

Venous disease is usually recognized by a sensation of heaviness in the legs, swelling of the legs or, in more serious cases, the development of edema or varicose veins.

Read our insights article to learn more about venous disease

Read our insights article to learn more about venous disease

C. M.: Heat induces vasodilatation of the veins, intensifying inflammation and ultimately increasing the risk of valve obstruction. That’s why, in summer, we’re more likely to develop any number of venous diseases.
Prevention measures include cooling the legs with water or taking part in physical activity to improve blood circulation.

C. M.: Although venous disease can also affect other parts of the body, it mainly affects the legs, or more precisely, the lower parts of the body.

This is largely due to an upright or standing position. Because blood has to fight against gravity, it struggles to make its way up to the heart and ends up “stagnating” in the veins of the lower limbs. That’s why, in summer, it’s particularly important to walk to get the blood circulating.

C. M.: When the first symptoms appear, such as heavy or painful legs, this is already a late sign of the disease. It is advisable to consult a general practitioner or a specialist (angiologist or phlebologist) to test for venous reflux and consider treatment options. All the more so during the summer, as this condition can worsen in hot weather!

Did you know?  

Venous disease encompasses all vein-related problems. There are 6 stages, corresponding to visible clinical signs1:

  • Stage 0: At this stage, there are no visibly perceptible signs. However, the patient may already be starting to notice a sensation of heavy legs, leg pain, and swollen legs at the end of the day.
  • Stage 1: Blood vessels are visible and varicose veins may appear. These are referred to as micro-varicose veins.
  • Stage 2: Varicose veins (spider veins) become progressively larger (around 3 millimeters).
  • Stage 3: Edema develops, identified by areas of swelling.
  • Stage 4: Dermatological signs appear, which may involve a change in skin color or texture (eczema, etc.).
  • Stage 5: Venous ulcers may form.
  • Stage 6: An acute ulcer develops.

C. M.: Venous diseases are often treated late, when symptoms first appear. However, they should not be overlooked, as long-term complications can be more serious.

Without treatment, the stagnation of blood in the lower limbs, called “stasis”, can lead to the progressive auto-aggravation of valve dysfunction. Over time, this can result in the formation of a blood clot, with the disease evolving into venous thrombosis (phlebitis) or pulmonary embolism in more serious cases.

Key figures

50 000 – 100 000

Every year, between 50,000 and 100,000 people are diagnosed with phlebitis in France.4

25%-33%

Varicose veins are present in 25%-33% of female and 10%-40% of male adults.5

1 in 50

Around 1 in 50 adults living with varicose veins develop chronic venous insufficiency every year.6


[1] Medipedia (https://medipedia.be/fr/insuffisance-veineuse/symptomes/les-differents-stades-de-linsuffisance-veineuse)
[2] Vuylsteke ME, et al. Angiology. 2018;69(9):779‒785 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29482348/)
[3] Salim S, et al. Global Ann Surg. 2021;274(6):971‒976 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33214466/)
[4] Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm). Thrombose veineuse (phlébite) (https://www.inserm.fr/dossier/thrombose-veineuse-phlebite/)
[5] Management of chronic venous disorders of the lower limbs. Guidelines According to Scientific Evidence. Part I – International Angiology 2018 June;37(3):181-254 – Minerva Medica – Journals (https://www.minervamedica.it/en/journals/international-angiology/article.php?cod=R34Y2018N03A0181
[6]  Cleveland clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16872-chronic-venous-insufficiency-cvi)