[Epidemiology and pathophysiology of primary varicose veins].

Epidemiological investigations in German-speaking countries have covered over 14,000 people. Chronic venous insufficiency (edema, dermal alteration) was found in 13% and extensive varicosis in 15%. Thus, nearly 30% must be regarded as afflicted with varicose veins. The major pathophysiology, the absence of a directed blood flow due to venous dilatation and valve incompetence, becomes relevant hemodynamically and clinically if the proximal valves of the saphenous veins and/or perforating veins are also incompetent. Chronic venous insufficiency develops.