CRESTVIEW — Coastal Vein Institute, in collaboration with The American Venous Forum and Legs for Life organizations, will offer a free varicose, spider vein and peripheral arterial disease screening to raise awareness for vascular disease and available treatment options.
The event is 2-5:30 p.m. March 4 at 550 W. Redstone Ave., Suite 410, Crestview.
In America, 72 percent of women and 42 percent of men reportedly will experience varicose veins by the time they are in their 60s. Venous insufficiency typically occurs in women ages 40-49 and in men ages 70-79.
Common risk factors for varicose veins and venous reflux include multiple pregnancies, family history, obesity and standing professions.
A leading cause of varicose veins is venous reflux disease caused by “leaky” valves in the greater saphenous vein running from ankle to groin in each leg.
In addition to varicose veins, symptoms may include leg pain, fatigue, swelling and skin ulceration. This condition can be progressive if left untreated and symptoms may worsen with time.
One in every 20 Americans over age 50 has peripheral arterial disease.
Individuals with the disease have a five-fold increased relative risk of a cardiovascular ischemic event and total mortality that is two to three times greater than those without it.
People with peripheral vascular disease often change their lifestyles, especially when they have standing professions and can’t tolerate being on their feet all day.
Screenings for vascular disease include a limited ultrasound and ankle brachial index. The screenings are quick and painless.
Contact Coastal Vein Institute, 682-0032, to register for the screening.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Free leg pain screening event is March 4 in Crestview