Chilly toes might not just be a minor nuisance—turns out, they could be an early warning sign of varicose veins that GPs often overlook, according to fresh warnings from researchers. Their latest investigation has shed light on the chilling fact that those who experience a moderate to severe sensitivity to cold are at a significantly heightened risk—ranging from 49% to a whopping 89%—of developing varicose veins.
This condition rears its head when there's a kink in the works of the vein system in our legs—be it the deep or superficial veins or the tiny connector vessels known as perforator veins. A keen eye was kept on data from some 8,800 individuals spanning from 2008 to 2020, examining the correlation between their self-reported susceptibility to feeling cold and their varicose vein fortunes.
Dr Yung-Po Liaw from Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan waved a cautionary flag: "In clinical practice, the sensation of coldness is usually relegated to a secondary position among the many varicose vein symptoms. This relegation is attributed to its subjectivity and the consequent ease with which it can be overlooked."
He illuminated the oversight in medical evaluation further by stressing, "However, our study showed the presence of a moderate-to-severe degree of hypersensitivity to cold in the lower extremities, which has hitherto been underestimated as a subjective symptom associated with varicose veins."
Normally, our veins have one-way valves that open and close to ensure blood flows towards the heart. However, when these valves or walls falter, blood can pool and even reverse its flow.
The Taiwanese study tapped into the Taiwan Biobank database, which houses medical records, genetic samples, and a wealth of lifestyle data from participants aged between 30 and 70. Among these, 8,782 individuals had moderate to severe varicose veins, and they were quizzed about their feet's cold hypersensitivity and any feelings of heaviness in their legs.
After crunching the numbers, experts found that out of 1,535 participants who reported moderate cold hypersensitivity, 9% had varicose veins. Meanwhile, of the 1,359 who claimed extreme cold hypersensitivity, 14% were dealing with varicose veins.
This was contrasted with the 5,888 participants who didn't report any cold hypersensitivity, among whom only 6% had varicose veins.
The researchers also factored in other potential influences on varicose vein risk, such as age, weight, diet, and smoking habits. Once these variables were accounted for, the data revealed that moderate to severe cold hypersensitivity was linked to a 49% to 89% increased likelihood of having varicose veins compared to those without any hypersensitivity.
Moreover, the condition of heavy legs was four times more prevalent among those with varicose veins than those without.
The type of job you have could be a game-changer, as roles that require long periods of standing are linked to a 45% increased risk of developing varicose veins.
Dr Yung-Po Liaw weighed in, saying: "Healthcare providers frequently underestimate the gravity and implications of varicose veins, leading to their neglect, and there is usually a gap in understanding the comprehensive spectrum of linked symptoms. Of note is the significance of the concurrent symptoms of heaviness and cold feet. When these symptoms coexist, the likelihood of confirming the presence of varicose veins is notably amplified compared with individuals without such symptoms."
According to study published by Sage Journals, 13% of the adult population in Ireland is living with varicose veins. Seventy-five per cent of those with varicose veins in Ireland were found to be 45 or older.
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