chronic venous insufficiency

noun

: a condition in which the flow of blood from the legs to the heart is impaired chiefly as a result of weakened or damaged valves in the veins of the legs and that is characterized especially by edema, pain, and discoloration in the lower legs

Left untreated, chronic venous insufficiency can progress to painful ulcers and limit mobility, yet many patients delay care because symptoms may seem like a normal part of aging.

—Sara Berg

Venous disease in general is very common. For example, varicose veins affect about 1 in 3 adults. Each year, about 1 in 50 adults with varicose veins go on to develop chronic venous insufficiency.

—Cleveland Clinic

—abbreviation CVI

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above