Abstract P303: Clinically Recognized Varicose Veins and Physical Function in Older Individuals: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Abstract

Background: Varicose veins recently attract attention in medical community due to its high prevalence and potential impact on major clinical consequences like deep venous thrombosis. Also, a few small studies (n<50) have reported that patients with varicose veins have reduced physical function than those without. However, a large study is required to quantify the association of varicose veins and reduced physical function in the community. Methods: In 6,506 ARIC participants (aged 71-90 years, 2011-2013 at visit 5), varicose veins were identified using outpatient and inpatient ICD codes from Medicare claims (sample limited to fee for service beneficiaries) or hospitalization data after visit 1 through visit 5. We assessed the cross-sectional associations of clinically recognized varicose veins with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score (0-12) (based on the sum of scores from three components [chair stands, standing balance, and gait speed] [0-4 points each]) and frailty (frail if ≥3 of the five components [weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, slow walking, and grip strength]. Results: There were 361 participants with a clinical diagnosis of varicose veins (124 inpatient and 256 outpatient). Varicose veins were independently associated with poor physical function (SPPB ≤6 vs. >6) (adjusted odds ratio 1.72 [95% CI 1.24, 2.37]) and with all individual components of the SPPB (Table). Similarly, varicose veins were associated with being frail (frailty ≥3 vs. <3) (adjusted odds ratio 1.76 [95%CI 1.26, 2.46]) and with only slower walking of frailty components. Conclusions: In community-dwelling older adults, persons with varicose veins had lower physical function and were more frail compared to their counterparts. Longitudinal research is warranted to explore the temporality between varicose veins and reduced physical function.