Calixtro, Laidelle Jascinth M.

BSN-III

NARRATIVE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that occurs when the venous wall
and/or valves in the leg veins are not working effectively, making it difficult for blood to return
to the heart from the legs. CVI causes blood to “pool” or collect in these veins, and this pooling
is called stasis. ("Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Treatment, Symptoms & Causes", 2020)
Furthermore, venous insufficiency results from obstruction of the venous valves in the legs or
a reflux of blood through the valves. Superficial and deep leg veins can be involved (Cheever,
K. & Hinkle, J. 2018). This is a condition that occurs when the venous wall and/or valves in
the leg veins are not working effectively, making it difficult for blood to return to the heart from
the legs. Its etiological factors include; High blood pressure in the leg veins over time, Swelling
and inflammation of a vein, Family history of the CVI, Leg injury/surgery damage. Risk factors
for the patient involves; Sedentary lifestyle, Obesity, Smoking, Previous blood clots.

This disorder’s pathophysiology occurs as the etiologic factors affects the veins. As
veins return blood to the heart coming from other body parts, blood flows upward from the
veins in the legs. Calf muscles and muscles found in the feet contracts, causing a compression
on the veins which pushes blood flow back, not toward the heart, damaging the valves within
the veins. Blood leakage may occur due to repercussions from the valve damage. The veins
and the valves within are weakened, resulting to a difficulty of blood to flow up back to the
heart. Blood pressure in the veins stays elevated for long period of time. The patient may
manifest symptoms such as; Swelling in the legs and ankles, pain in the leg, varicose veins,
flaking or itching skin, and leg cramps or muscle spasms.

The prognosis for Chronic Venous Insufficiency is not a benign disorder and carries
enormous morbidity. Without correction, the condition is progressive. The venous insufficiency
can also lead to severe hemorrhage. Surgery for CVI remains unsatisfactory despite the
availability of numerous procedures. The cost of care to the patient is enormous.

REFERENCES:

Cheever, K. H., & Hinkle, J. L. (2018). Brunner & Suddarth's textbook of medical-surgical
nursing. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency. (n.d.). Retrieved December 01, 2020, from

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/chronic-venous-
insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency: Types, symptoms, causes, and treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved
December 01, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323979
 Patel SK, Surowiec SM. Venous Insufficiency. [Updated 2020 Nov 20]. In: StatPearls
[Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430975/