Epidemiological study on varicose veins in Budapest

Abstract

Objective To analyse the prevalence and risk factors of varicose veins and chronic venous disease in Budapest. Method Data were collected using a questionnaire, as well as by performing physical and Doppler ultrasound examination of 566 adult inhabitants of Budapest and some neighbouring villages. Results The prevalence of lower-extremity varicose veins was 57.1% in the study population. Verified risk factors include advancing age, pregnancy, jobs requiring a lot of standing, blue-collar work and excess body weight. Neither female gender nor the use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy was identified as a contributing factor. Conclusion Hungarian prevalence data and risk factors seem to be similar to other European countries.