Chronic Venous disease (CVD) is when blood is not circulated effectively around the body. It is caused by the failure of one-way valves responsible for preventing blood flowing backwards in veins and results in blood pooling in the legs. Chronic Venous Disease is a progressive spectrum of symptoms where 5% of sufferers experience more advanced symptoms every year.
Symptoms begin with varicose veins, which are dilated, tortuous veins. This can progress to pain, heaviness and leg swelling, eczema and subsequent skin changes leading to the breakdown of the skin, and malodorous leaking venous ulceration, in addition to cosmetic dissatisfaction.
This is a progressive and devastating disease which destroys Quality of Life for patients who experience advanced symptoms.