Presence of cold hypersensitivity and heavy legs together may increase risk sevenfold
By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, April 24, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Cold hypersensitivity and a feeling of heaviness in the legs are linked to the presence of varicose veins in adults aged 30 years and older, according to a study published online April 14 in Open Heart.
Cheng-Ken Tsai, from Chung Shan Medical University in Taichung, Taiwan, and colleagues investigated the association of symptoms of cold hypersensitivity and heavy leg sensation with varicose veins. The analysis included 8,782 adults aged 30 to 70 years.
The researchers observed significant associations of cold hypersensitivity and heavy legs with varicose veins. Moderate and severe cold hypersensitivity increased the risk for varicose veins (odds ratios, 1.490 and 1.894, respectively). There was also a strong association between heavy leg sensation and varicose veins (odds ratio, 4.239). The interaction between cold hypersensitivity and heavy legs was significant. The greatest risk for varicose veins was seen in individuals with heavy legs and severe cold hypersensitivity (odds ratio, 7.135).
“The results of this study highlight the clinical significance of considering cold hypersensitivity and heavy legs as vital symptoms for diagnosing varicose veins, particularly in the absence of arterial disorders, which can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes,” the authors write.
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