Symptoms Of Chronic Venous Disease Research Articles

Assessment of the Tolerance of Dobenox Forte® in Patients with Chronic Venous Disease.

This prospective, observational, multicenter study assessed the tolerance of Dobenox Forte®, the first approved over-the-counter product containing calcium dobesilate, in 1795 outpatients with chronic venous disease (CVD) in daily clinical practice. In addition, the effectiveness (decrease in circumferences of a more affected limb at the ankle and middle part of the calf, and changes in the severity of CVD signs) was assessed. No adverse events related to use of the preparation were reported in a period of 64 ± 20 days. Dobenox Forte® use was associated with a reduction in calf circumference by 13.1 mm (95%CI: 12.2-14.1) and in ankle circumference by 9.7 mm (95%CI: 9.2-11.0) in patients reporting swelling of the lower legs (60.0% of the cohort). A reduction in calf and ankle circumference by at least 1 cm was achieved in 34.9% and 24.9% of patients, respectively. The percentages of patients reporting moderate to very severe lower limb heaviness decreased from 96.6% to 56.0%, calf cramps decreased from 91.0% to 41.0%, calf pain decreased from 89.2% to 43.7%, swelling decreased from 86.1% to 38.8%, and burning sensation that worsens when standing decreased from 79.0% to 33.7%. The medicinal product Dobenox Forte® is well tolerated by patients and seems to effectively reduce the symptoms of CVD.

Noninvasive measurement of ambulatory venous pressure via column interruption duration in chronic venous disease

BackgroundColumn interruption duration (CID) is a noninvasive surrogate for venous refill time (VFT), a parameter used in ambulatory venous pressure measurement. CID is more accurate than invasive VFT measurement because it avoids errors involved with indirect access of the deep system through the dorsal foot vein. The aim of this retrospective single center study is to analyze the clinical usefulness of CID in assessment of chronic venous disease (CVD). MethodsA total of 1551 limbs (777 patients) were referred with CVD symptoms over a 5-year period (2018-2023); CID, air plethysmography, and duplex reflux data were analyzed. Of these limbs, 679 had supine venous pressure data as well. The pathology was categorized as obstruction if supine peripheral venous pressure was >11 mm Hg and as reflux if duplex reflux time in superficial or deep veins was >1 second. CID was measured via Doppler monitoring of flow in the great saphenous vein (GSV) and one of the paired posterior tibial (PT) veins near the ankle in the erect posture. The calf is emptied by rapid inflation cuff. CID is the time interval in seconds when cephalad venous flow in great saphenous vein and posterior tibial veins reappear after calf ejection. A CID <20 seconds in either vein is abnormal similar to the threshold used in VFT measurement. ResultsThirty-two percent of the limbs had obstruction, 17% had reflux, and 37% had a combination; 14% had neither. Higher clinical-etiology-anatomy-pathophysiology (CEAP) clinical classes (C4-6) were prevalent in 44% of pure reflux, significantly less (P < .0001) than in pure obstruction (73%) or obstruction plus reflux subsets (72%), partly reflecting distribution of pathology. There is a progressive increase in supine venous pressure and abnormal CID (P < .0001 and P < .0001, respectively) in successive CEAP clinical class. No such correlation between CEAP and any of the reflux severity grading methods (reflux segment score, Venous Filling Index, and Kistner axial grading) was observed. Abnormal CID (55%) was more prevalent in higher CEAP classes (>4) (P < .0001) than in lesser clinical classes (0-2) or limbs with neither obstruction nor reflux (P < .01). ConclusionsObstruction seems to be a more dominant pathology in clinical progression among CEAP clinical classes than reflux. CID is abnormal in both obstructive and refluxive pathologies and may represent a common end pathway for similar clinical manifestations (eg, ulcer). These data suggest a useful role for CID measurement in clinical assessment of limbs with CVD.

Clinical evidence and rationale of mesoglycan to treat chronic venous disease and hemorrhoidal disease: a narrative review.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) and hemorrhoidal disease (HD) are among the most common vascular diseases in the world, with CVD affecting 22-41% of the population in Europe and HD having a point prevalence of 11-39%. The burden is substantial in terms of the effect of symptoms on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and direct/indirect medical costs. Treatment begins with lifestyle changes, compression in CVD and topical therapies in HD, and escalates as needed through oral therapies first and eventually to surgery for severe disease. CVD and HD share etiological features and pathological changes affecting the structure and function of the tissue extracellular matrix. Mesoglycan, a natural glycosaminoglycan (GAG) preparation composed primarily of heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate, has been demonstrated to positively impact the underlying causes of CVD and HD, regenerating the glycocalyx and restoring endothelial function, in addition to having antithrombotic, profibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory, antiedema and wound-healing effects. In clinical trials, oral mesoglycan reduced the severity of CVD signs and symptoms, improved HRQoL, and accelerated ulcer healing. In patients with HD, mesoglycan significantly reduced the severity of signs and symptoms and the risk of rectal bleeding. In patients undergoing excisional hemorrhoidectomy, adding mesoglycan to standard postoperative care reduced pain, improved HRQoL, reduced incidence of thrombosis, and facilitated an earlier return to normal activities/work, compared with standard postoperative care alone. The clinical effects of mesoglycan in patients with CVD or HD are consistent with the agent's known mechanisms of action.

Factors Influencing Venous Remodeling in the Development of Varicose Veins of the Lower Limbs.

One of the early symptoms of chronic venous disease (CVD) is varicose veins (VV) of the lower limbs. There are many etiological environmental factors influencing the development of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), although genetic factors and family history of the disease play a key role. All these factors induce changes in the hemodynamic in the venous system of the lower limbs leading to blood stasis, hypoxia, inflammation, oxidative stress, proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), changes in microcirculation and, consequently, the remodeling of the venous wall. The aim of this review is to present current knowledge on CVD, including the pathophysiology and mechanisms related to vein wall remodeling. Particular emphasis has been placed on describing the role of inflammation and oxidative stress and the involvement of extracellular hemoglobin as pathogenetic factors of VV. Additionally, active substances used in the treatment of VV were discussed.

High Physical Activity Volume Is Associated With an Increase in the Calibre of the Lower Limb Veins Without Impact on Functional Discomfort: the VARISPORT Study

The relationship between physical activity and lower limb veins is complex. If a sedentary lifestyle is considered to be negative on lower limb veins, specific information on physical activity varicose vein volume is sparse, especially the effect of high physical activity volume. The main objective of the VARISPORT study was to evaluate lower limb veins (clinically, morphologically, and haemodynamically) and chronic venous disease symptoms in subjects exposed to high physical activity volume compared with a group of non-exposed subjects. A cross sectional study compared a group of high exercise training volume volunteers (more than eight hours of uninterrupted vigorous intensity physical activity per week for more than six months: high physical activity volume group, HPAV group) with a volunteer control group matched for age, sex, and body mass index. Clinical examination was performed to determine the Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, Pathophysiological (CEAP) classification of each subject and the Carpentier score was used to assess symptoms related to possible chronic venous disease. Duplex ultrasonography was used to assess vein diameters and reflux in the deep and superficial veins. One hundred and nineteen subjects were included in each group. The lower limb veins (deep and superficial) were significantly more dilated in the HPAV group. More reflux was found in the great saphenous veins and non-saphenous veins in the HPAV group. High physical activity volume was associated with a higher frequency of visible varicose veins (stage C2 of the CEAP classification), odds ratio 3.37 (95% confidence interval 1.66 - 7.25) without impact on functional discomfort (44 subjects with a Carpentier score ≥ 1 in each group). The VARISPORT study reported an increase in the calibre of the lower limb veins without impact on functional discomfort. Further studies are needed to determine whether these athletic veins are truly pathological varicose veins or simply an adaptation to high physical activity volumes.

Luminal Changes in Patients with Inferior Vena Cava Filters and Development of Chronic Venous Disease

This study aimed to analyze the luminal changes in the iliocaval veins and their effects on the development of signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease manifesting from inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement. This was a retrospective observations study; deidentified patients with an IVC filter placed with subsequent luminal changes were included. All patients had a computerized tomography (CT) scan with or without ultrasound and those who underwent an intervention for the obstruction had also venography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). The diameter of IVC and iliac veins was measured from the near wall to the far wall. IVC diameters measured less than 12mm were considered to be retractions. Signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease were obtained from patient charts and were reported according to the highest CEAP class. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, presenting diameter changes as a mean with standard deviation and a range of diameters included. Overall, 76 patients were included in this study, of whom 66 had occlusion of the IVC or the Iliac veins. Luminal changes of the IVC were observed in all patients. A total of 58 patients presented with chronic post-thrombotic changes in both the IVC and iliac veins. There were 4 patients that had a luminal reduction with no filling defects or post-thrombotic changes. Average IVC diameter and iliac vein diameter was measured to be 8.3±1.4mm and 4.6±1.4mm, respectively. Patients most frequently presented with extremity swelling, but other signs such as venous ulceration or skin damage were observed. Permanent luminal changes of the IVC and iliac veins were observed as a result of IVC filter placement and such patients commonly present with signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease. Together, with other known filter complications, these observations add more reasons for a timely retrieval. When such changes occur, patients' appropriate symptoms can be successfully treated. The permanent changes made by filter placement in the IVC and iliac veins further support filter retrieval in a timely fashion. The luminal changes induced by filter placement should be recognized early, particularly in symptomatic patients who can be safely treated with endovenous procedures.

Chronic Venous Disease and Its Intersections With Diabetes Mellitus.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a vascular disorder in which blood return is severely compromised and CVD is usually characterized by venous hypertension. Along with obesity and diabetes mellitus, CVD is one of the most common civilization diseases. In general, the estimated prevalence of CVD ranges from 60-80 %. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment are important for preventing progression to more severe stages of the disease like venous leg ulcers. Clinical manifestations of CVD in initial stages of the disease are often asymptomatic. However, as CVD progresses, symptoms begin to develop. Treatment of CVD could be divided into conservative and surgical. Conservative therapy consists of compression, pharmacological treatment and lifestyle change. In cases where conservative therapy is ineffective, surgical or endovascular treatment may be required. The intersections between diabetes mellitus (DM) and CVD are not to be underestimated. CVD and DM have often the same risk factors. Symptoms of CVD can be modified by late complications of DM, but the incidence of different CVD degrees seems to be the same as in diabetics as in non-diabetics population. We are particularly concerned in diabetics about worse compliance with treatment due to their often-poorer adherence to treatment of DM and lifestyle changes. Moreover, there exist a higher risk of CVD and peripheral arterial disease in diabetics patients. Patients with CVD should always be inspected for the presence of DM, considering its presence can have a bearing on CVD symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic strategies.

Improving Chronic Venous Disease Management with Micronised Purified Flavonoid Fraction: New Evidence from Clinical Trials to Real Life.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) develops in the microvessels, and is perpetuated by a vicious cycle of inflammation and endothelial activation, structural and functional changes to vessels and valves, and progressive venous hypertension. Data from animal models indicate that micronised purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) has beneficial effects on a range of pathophysiological processes that contribute to CVD, including inflammation, micro-vessel permeability, valve and vessel wall remodelling, and reflux in microvalves. These effects explain its beneficial effects on the signs and symptoms of CVD, which have been seen across the spectrum of Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical and Pathophysiological (CEAP) categories of CVD severity. This includes patients with symptoms but no detectable anatomical or pathophysiological anomalies (C0s or C1) and patients with varicose veins (C2). In addition to symptomatic improvement, MPFF has been shown to reduce oedema in patients with C3 CVD, resolve skin symptoms in patients with C4 CVD, and accelerate the healing of venous ulcers in patients with C6 CVD. MPFF is highly recommended in international guidelines of CVD management and is the only veno-active drug to receive guideline endorsement for an improvement in patient quality of life.

The association between chronic venous disease and knee osteoarthritis.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) are two common diseases in the elderly. Both share common risk factors, such as age, sex, and obesity, and are believed to be associated with inflammatory conditions and venous stasis. However, studies of the association between CVD and KOA are limited, especially in the elderly. To investigate the association between CVD and KOA and their effects on pain and functional status in the elderly at the Rheumatology Clinic of University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). This cross-sectional study included 222 elderly patients (aged ≥60 years) at the Rheumatology Clinic of University Medical Center HCMC from December 2019 to June 2020, including 167 with and 55 without KOA. Patient data were collected for both groups, including demographics, symptoms, clinical signs, and diagnostic tests for KOA and CVD, including knee radiographs and duplex scanning of the lower extremity veins. CVD was a common comorbidity among elderly patients with KOA (73.65% vs. 58.18%; p = 0.030). CVD symptoms did not differ significantly between patients with and without KOA. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and some comorbid conditions, the differences in CVD incidence between the groups remained significant (odds ratio = 2.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-5.06; p = 0.014). Visual Analog Scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain scores were higher in elderly patients with KOA and CVD. CVD is common in elderly patients with KOA. While age, sex, and weight are risk factors for both conditions, there is an independent association between them. Patients comorbid with KOA and CVD have more pain and limited functional status.

Treatment of early-stage chronic venous disease – management standards for 2023

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. Most patients with early-stage CVD willeventually deteriorate, which will result in an increase in treatment costs, but most importantly, a decrease in quality of life.The advances made with regard to the knowledge of the natural history and pathophysiology of CVD as well as the results ofresearch on effects of different drugs depending on the severity of the disease suggest the likely cost-effectiveness of CVDpatients being treated at an early stage of the disease. Recommendations in this group of patients may include lifestylechanges, compression therapy and venoactive drugs (VADs). Combination of ruscus, hesperidin methyl chalcone, andvitamin C is a well-established VAD presenting with anti-inflammatory effects, reducing endothelial activation and leukocyteadhesion, increasing capillary resistance and integrity and improving venous tone and performance of the lymphatic vesselsthus leading to a reduction in CVD symptoms in patients and an improvement in quality of their lifes. This article is based onthe latest guidelines regarding the management of chronic venous disease.

Public awareness of chronic venous disease in Korea

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the current level of chronic venous disease (CVD) awareness and its relevant influencing factors. MethodsOnline and interview surveys were conducted in two distinct groups from May 14 to June 16, 2020. An online survey was conducted among 900 adults aged 20 to 64 years from the research database, whereas interviews were conducted among 124 patients who presented with CVD symptoms, which covered the awareness of such symptoms and their impact on quality of life. ResultsMost respondents reported low levels of CVD awareness by recognizing the disease only by an entity. In 53 respondents who visited the hospital with suspected venous symptoms, the actual diagnosis was made in only 30.2%. CVD diagnosis was associated with increased CVD awareness. Female sex, age of >29 years, higher educational level, and higher income were associated with increased CVD awareness. Approximately 60% of the patients with CVD responded that physical symptoms had a negative impact on their quality of life rather than emotion or appearance. ConclusionsThe public is largely unaware of CVD but not in detail. Educational programs to improve CVD awareness should be implemented to enable appropriate CVD management.

Venous Stenting for Postthrombotic Iliocaval Venous Obstructive Disease: Clinical Efficacy and Mid-term Outcomes.

Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) can cause both venous outflow obstruction and deep venous reflux, and results in severe symptoms of chronic venous disease. Venous stenting in the chronic iliocaval venous obstruction has been shown to be a safe and efficacious procedure. The long-term studies have shown the high patency rate, the good symptom relief, and the low recurrence rate of healed venous ulcerations. Although venous stenting has become a widely accepted treatment option in PTS with chronic venous occlusion or severe stenosis, it is not yet covered by insurance in Japan, and is being performed at limited facilities using off-label arterial stents. In this study, we performed venous stenting in 30 patients with the moderate and severe PTS. All patients showed significant improvement in their venous scores postoperatively, the Villalta score changed from a median of 16 before treatment to a median of 7 after treatment. Likewise, the Venous Clinical Severity Score and the Venous Disability Score dropped from a median of 13, 2.4 before treatment to 6, 1.2 after treatment, respectively. The primary patency and the secondary patency at 40 months were 93% and 96%, respectively. We report the excellent results and discuss current issues and future perspective in Japan. (This is secondary publication from J Jpn Coll Angiol 2021; 61: 99-105.).

Measuring the Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Venous Disease before and Short Term after Surgical Treatment-A Comparison between Different Open Surgical Procedures.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common pathology that significantly affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Methods: QoL was assessed in 317 patients diagnosed with CVD who underwent surgeries, including cryostripping (n = 113), high ligation and stripping (HL&S, n = 96), and phlebectomies (n = 108). CVD symptoms and QoL were assessed before surgery and 2 weeks after surgery using the following questionnaires: CIVIQ-20, VAS, Eq-5D, PHQ-9 and GAD-9. Results. The results reveal a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between CEAP score and QoL questionnaires performed preoperatively and postoperatively in all three surgical technique groups, with a statistical improvement postoperatively. Phlebectomy had the best postoperative QoL score (r = 0.495) compared to the other two types of procedures. Conclusions: Analyzing patients’ subjective perception following conventional surgery for CVD treatment, an improved QoL is observed both in functional and psychosocial aspects, even early postoperatively. Classical surgical procedures remain an effective and feasible option in CVD treatment.

Fatigue, physical activity, and quality of life in people self-reporting symptoms of chronic venous disease

Fatigue, physical activity, and quality of life in people self-reporting symptoms of chronic venous disease

Clinical Efficacy of Venastent - A Novel Iliac Vein Stent for Non-Thrombotic Iliac Vein Lesions: A Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial

To determine the efficacy of Venastent - a novel iliac vein stent for non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVLs). From October 2018 to January 2021, 256 NIVL patients were recruited at 19 Chinese hospitals. A randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of the new iliac vein stent-Venastent (Tianhong China) with Zilver stent (Cook USA). All patients were allocated randomly to two groups: the experimental group patients used Venastent, while the control group received the Zilver stent. The trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200057851). A total of 123 patients in the experimental group and 122 patients in the control group had a full set of data collected (p = ns). The technical success rate was 100% (n = 245/245). The patency rate was 100% (n = 123/123) in the experimental group and 98.4% (n = 120/122) in control group one year after operation (p = ns). The lower extremity swelling remission rate was 79.1% (n = 87/110) in the experimental group and 78.4% (n = 91/116) in the control group (p = ns). The lower extremity pain relief rate was 68.8% (n = 50/80) in the experimental group and 77.2% (n = 71/92) in the control group (p = ns). The ulcer healing rate was 90% (n = 18/20) in the experimental group and 87% (n = 20/23) in the control group (p = ns). There was no difference in stent re-stenosis or clinical remission between the two groups. The new iliac vein stent, Venastent, had a comparable high patency rate and safety profile as the Zilver stent (Cook) in NIVLs patients. Venastent significantly reduced symptoms of chronic venous disease.

Conservative therapy significantly reduces patients' chronic venous disease symptoms: A Caribbean insight into the VEIN Act Program.

We sought to determine the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) across the Caribbean, and to evaluate patients' compliance to conservative therapy and the effectiveness of such therapy in reducing patients' CVD symptoms. Patients were enrolled into the VEIN Act Program, and their demographic data, CVD symptoms (and their intensity) and CEAP C-classification was recorded at the first visit. Patients were prescribed conservative therapy, and symptom intensity and patient compliance and satisfaction evaluated at a follow-up visit. We enrolled 193 patients into the study, most of which (76%) were female, between 39-78years (80%) and within the C2-C4a classes (56.1%). Pain (61.1%) and heaviness (58.5%) were the most common symptoms. Patient compliance to the prescribed treatment was relatively high for all modalities (>75%) and most patients (92.1%) were at least somewhat satisfied with their treatment. Patient compliance to conservative therapy for management of CVD is high across the Caribbean, and such therapy is effective in reducing intensity of CVD symptoms.

Fatigue, physical activity, and quality of life in people self-reporting symptoms of chronic venous disease

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to quantify fatigue and quality of life (QoL) in people self-reporting chronic venous disease (CVD) symptoms or at risk of CVD within a large cohort representative of the French population. The relationship between self-reported physical activity and both fatigue and QoL was also investigated. We hypothesized that a greater fatigue and impaired QoL would exist in participants self-reporting CVD symptoms, with the impairments being attenuated in those with greater level of physical activity. MethodsUsing a web-based, custom and adaptive survey, 3008 participants were asked to self-report the presence of common symptoms and risk factors of CVD. Fatigue, QoL, and physical activity were assessed using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale, the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Godin-Shepard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively. ResultsThirty-two percent of participants were categorized as having CVD symptoms, whereas 50% were categorized as at risk of CVD. Fatigue was greater in participants with CVD symptoms than non-CVD participants (P < .001), with the score of participants at risk of CVD being intermediate (P ≤ .001). QoL was more impaired in participants with CVD symptoms compared with participants at risk of CVD (P < .001). In participants with CVD symptoms, there were relationships between fatigue and QoL (P < .001) and between physical activity and fatigue (P < .001). Despite the relationship between physical activity and QoL not reaching significance (P = .067), a lower QoL was found in insufficiently active as compared with active (P < .001) and moderately active (P < .001) participants with CVD symptoms. ConclusionsParticipants self-reporting CVD symptoms suffer from greater fatigue and impaired QoL. In this population, a higher level of physical activity is associated with less fatigue and a tendency toward improved QoL.

Editor's Choice – Clinical Efficacy of Venastent - A Novel Iliac Vein Stent for Non-Thrombotic Iliac Vein Lesions: A Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial

To determine the efficacy of Venastent - a novel iliac vein stent for non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVLs). From October 2018 to January 2021, 256 NIVL patients were recruited at 19 Chinese hospitals. A randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of the new iliac vein stent-Venastent (Tianhong China) with Zilver stent (Cook USA). All patients were allocated randomly to two groups: the experimental group patients used Venastent, while the control group received the Zilver stent. The trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200057851). A total of 123 patients in the experimental group and 122 patients in the control group had a full set of data collected (p= ns). The technical success rate was 100% (n= 245/245). The patency rate was 100% (n= 123/123) in the experimental group and 98.4% (n= 120/122) in control group one year after operation (p= ns). The lower extremity swelling remission rate was 79.1% (n= 87/110) in the experimental group and 78.4% (n= 91/116) in the control group (p= ns). The lower extremity pain relief rate was 68.8% (n= 50/80) in the experimental group and 77.2% (n= 71/92) in the control group (p= ns). The ulcer healing rate was 90% (n= 18/20) in the experimental group and 87% (n= 20/23) in the control group (p= ns). There was no difference in stent re-stenosis or clinical remission between the two groups. The new iliac vein stent, Venastent, had a comparable high patency rate and safety profile as the Zilver stent (Cook) in NIVLs patients. Venastent significantly reduced symptoms of chronic venous disease.

Aplicabilidade do teste do degrau na avaliação da aptidão física de mulheres com sintomas de doença venosa crônica: estudo transversal

Abstract Background Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) can seriously impact physical fitness. Certain measures and aptitude tests can be employed to evaluate this condition in people with CVD that are simple, quick, and less expensive alternatives when compared to laboratory methods. Objectives To evaluate the applicability of the 4-minute step test, correlating its results with those of other measures and tests used with people with CVD symptoms. Methods Cross-sectional descriptive study carried out with 47 active women with CVD symptoms who participate in public physical exercise programs and were recruited by spontaneous demand. After clinical evaluation of disease stage, sociodemographic data were collected and calf circumference measurements, ankle goniometry, the tiptoe test, and the 4-minute step test were conducted. The women were already familiar with the apparatus used. Results The step test showed significant correlations (p&lt;0.05) with calf measurements (r=0.31 and 0.32), flexibility (r=0.48 and 0.47), and the tiptoe test (r=0.33 for number of repetitions and 0.42 for speed of execution), in addition to an inverse correlation with disease severity (r=-0.29). Significant correlations were also found by age group (r=0.60 and 0.54, for calf circumference in the elderly) and by classification in tests and measurements (r=0.19 for the tiptoe test, and r=0 .29, for ankle flexibility). Conclusions The step test proved applicable and its use in conjunction with other aptitude tests offers a more complete evaluation of active women with CVD symptoms.

Applicability of the step test for physical fitness assessment of women with chronic venous disease symptoms: a cross-sectional study

Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) can seriously impact physical fitness. Certain measures and aptitude tests can be employed to evaluate this condition in people with CVD that are simple, quick, and less expensive alternatives when compared to laboratory methods. To evaluate the applicability of the 4-minute step test, correlating its results with those of other measures and tests used with people with CVD symptoms. Cross-sectional descriptive study carried out with 47 active women with CVD symptoms who participate in public physical exercise programs and were recruited by spontaneous demand. After clinical evaluation of disease stage, sociodemographic data were collected and calf circumference measurements, ankle goniometry, the tiptoe test, and the 4-minute step test were conducted. The women were already familiar with the apparatus used. The step test showed significant correlations (p<0.05) with calf measurements (r=0.31 and 0.32), flexibility (r=0.48 and 0.47), and the tiptoe test (r=0.33 for number of repetitions and 0.42 for speed of execution), in addition to an inverse correlation with disease severity (r=-0.29). Significant correlations were also found by age group (r=0.60 and 0.54, for calf circumference in the elderly) and by classification in tests and measurements (r=0.19 for the tiptoe test, and r=0 .29, for ankle flexibility). The step test proved applicable and its use in conjunction with other aptitude tests offers a more complete evaluation of active women with CVD symptoms.