Varicose veins, a situation marked by abnormally swollen and twisted veins close to the pores and skin floor, typically described as “bulging veins” on the legs, have gotten more and more widespread in Korea.
Based on the Nationwide Well being Insurance coverage Service, 212,000 sufferers acquired therapy for varicose veins in 2020, up from 162,000 in 2016, a median annual improve of seven % over 4 years.
By age group, individuals of their 50s accounted for the biggest proportion at 26.9 % (57,000 sufferers), adopted by these of their 60s at 23.8 % (50,000) and 40s at 17.9 % (38,000).
Varicose veins happen when the valves that forestall blood from flowing backward within the legs weaken, inflicting blood to pool and veins to enlarge.
Signs embrace leg fatigue, heaviness, ache and numbness that’s typically worse after extended standing or sitting. Many sufferers additionally report cramps or tingling sensations at night time.
Seen indicators might embrace blue spider veins on the calves or thighs, and in additional superior instances, enlarged veins protruding from the pores and skin. Untreated varicose veins can result in ache, pores and skin discoloration and even ulcers.
Ladies are two to 3 instances extra possible than males to develop the situation, due partly to being pregnant, hormonal elements and household historical past. In youthful girls, tight clothes, excessive heels and leggings can limit circulation, contributing to the situation.
To handle rising public concern and fight misinformation, the Korean Society for Vascular Surgical procedure and the Korean Society of Phlebology have launched a 16-part YouTube collection aimed toward enhancing consciousness of varicose veins and associated issues.
The collection options 13 vascular specialists and professors discussing matters starting from vein anatomy and signs to therapy choices, together with non-surgical approaches. The ultimate section features a dialogue between the heads of each societies on the challenges of present therapy practices.
“We’ve seen elevated consideration on varicose veins, but many sufferers depend on ads slightly than correct info,” stated Ahn Hyung-joon, a vascular surgeon at Kyung Hee College Hospital.
The collection takes a conversational strategy, posing questions reminiscent of “Is surgical procedure all the time the reply?” and “Do dietary supplements assist?”
“Varicose veins considerably have an effect on high quality of life, however many present therapies could also be extreme,” stated Heo Seung, chair of the Korean Society for Vascular Surgical procedure and professor at Kyungpook Nationwide College Hospital. “Establishing correct requirements for analysis and therapy is important.”
This text from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Instances, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Instances.
