Question

Explain how gender impacts pathophysiology of chronic insufficiency and deep vein thrombosis How would you diagnose and treat the disorders based on gender

Answer 1

Venous insufficiency is a result of obstruction of venous valves in legs . Superficial and deep leg veins are often involved.  Valvular incompetence is the common cause of venous insufficiency. When this venous insufficiency is left untreated ,the disease progresses and leads to chronic venous insufficiency. Veins with thin walls distend readily when venous pressure is consistently elevated.

Women:

• During pregnancy the normal veins and normal valves may become excessively dilated due to effects of hormones.
• Prolonged standing also leads to venous insufficiency
• Contraceptive usage presents with side effects of venous thrombosis( obstruction of leg and pulmonary vessels by clots)
• A sedentary lifestyle is found to minimize the action of calf muscles on venous return causing higher venous pressure.
• Obese women have weak vein walls the venous pressure also stays elevated leading to dilatation , pigmentation .If left untreated may cause ulcer.
• Women are found to get affected at the age of 40-49 years mostly.

Men:

• This affects men in decreased percentage than women
• Men are found to be affected mostly when they are at 70-79 years.