Work and the Veins. A Retrospective Analysis of Work Activities in Patients with Chronic Venous Disease

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between work activities and chronic venous disease of the lower limbs.

Methods: Patients referred to our clinical units of Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology for chronic venous disease (CVD) assessment between January 2019 and December 2023 were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Inclusion criteria were (a) CVD status confirmed by office visit and Duplex ultrasound, (b) not having any other vascular disease of the lower limbs (such as arterial or lymphatic problems), (c) work activities of at least 1-year duration, in the medical records.

Results: A total of 948 patients (642 females and 306 males) were retrospectively enrolled. Of these, 613 patients (431 females and 182 males) were affected by CVD and 335 patients (211 females and 124 males) were not affected by CVD and served as controls. Sedentary jobs and jobs where the ambient work temperature ambient is hot have been associated with CVD. Other types of work with no sedentary activities or with a cool ambient work temperature were not associated with CVD.

Conclusions: Work activity and the occupational environment may be tightly related to the onset and progression of CVD. Forced postures, excessive standing or sitting, and high ambient temperatures can reduce lower limb venous function at work and cause CVD.