Risk factors for chronic venous disease.

Objective: Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common problem in developing and developed countries.

Methods: A cross-sectional study, conducted in two major towns in Serbia, comprised 3225 subjects over 18 years old, enrolled in the survey consecutively by general practitioners (GPs) within their normal framework. Diagnosis of CVD was made by GPs on the basis of symptoms and visual examination. Data on potential risk factors were collected by the use of a questionnaire.

Results: The prevalence of CVD was significantly higher in women (73.7%) than in men (70.1%), although severe forms of CVD were significantly more frequent in men. Risk factors for CVD were age, body mass index ≥ 25.00 kg/m(2), family history of CVD, history of blood clots in veins and ever-smoking in both sexes, and menopause, increased number of child births and physical inactivity in women.

Conclusion: The results obtained suggest the possibility of CVD prevention by modification of some behavioural risk factors.