Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Its Role in Thrombotic Events

Medically reviewed by Thomas Militano, MD, PhD, RPVI, on March 1, 2025

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common condition that occurs when the veins in the legs have difficulty sending blood back to the heart. Over time, this can lead to symptoms like varicose veins, spider veins, leg pain, and swelling. While these symptoms may seem minor at first, CVI can lead to more serious complications if left untreated, including the formation of dangerous blood clots, also known as thrombosis. Understanding the relationship between CVI and thrombotic events, or thrombosis, is crucial for protecting your health.

This blog explores the relationship between chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and an increased risk of blood clots. Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is America’s largest physician-leg vein treatment center, devoted to providing safe, personalized, outpatient treatment options for venous insufficiency (vein disease).

We consulted with CVR vein specialist Thomas Militano, MD, PhD, RPVI, who oversaw the information presented in this blog to ensure its accuracy and medical relevance. With extensive expertise in vascular health, Dr. Militano emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment of CVI to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). His insights reinforce the critical role of vein specialists in identifying and managing venous conditions before they escalate into life-threatening events.

What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins in the legs are unable to properly return blood to the heart, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities. This occurs due to damaged vein valves, leading to symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, and varicose veins. Over time, untreated CVI can cause serious complications like skin ulcers and tissue damage.

It’s a common condition, especially in adults over 50, and often requires medical intervention to prevent worsening symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• Varicose veins: Enlarged, twisted veins visible just under the skin.
• Spider veins: Smaller, web-like clusters of blood vessels.
• Leg pain: A dull ache or heaviness in the legs, especially after standing for long periods.
• Swelling: Particularly in the lower legs and ankles.

CVI can progress if untreated, resulting in worsening symptoms and potentially dangerous complications, like skin changes, ulcers, and blood clots.

Expert Care for Chronic Venous Issues at Center for Vein Restoration

At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), our highly trained vein specialists are dedicated to providing comprehensive, expert care for all types of vein problems, from varicose veins, spider veins, venous leg ulcers, and other signs of chronic venous insufficiency.

With advanced diagnostic tools and cutting-edge treatments, we tailor solutions to fit your individual needs, helping you achieve healthier, more comfortable legs.

Don’t let vein issues affect your quality of life—schedule your consultation with CVR. Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.

How Does Chronic Venous Insufficiency Increase the Risk of Blood Clots?

One of the most severe complications of CVI is an increased risk of developing blood clots, particularly in the deep veins of the legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Here’s how CVI contributes to thrombotic events:

1. Stagnant Blood Flow: When blood pools in the veins due to venous insufficiency, it becomes sluggish and more prone to clotting. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, this stagnation of blood flow is particularly common in people who are immobile for extended periods, such as bedridden patients recovering from surgery or those with heart conditions.

Even healthy individuals who sit or lie still for long stretches, such as during long trips, are at an increased risk of blood clots forming!

1. Inflammation: Chronic venous disease leads to inflammation of the vein walls, which can further damage the blood vessels. This inflammation creates an environment where blood clots are more likely to form.
2. Increased Pressure in the Veins: Over time, the increased pressure in the veins can cause further damage to the vein walls and valves, increasing the risk of both superficial clots (in varicose veins) and more serious clots in the deep veins (DVT).

DVT is particularly dangerous because a blood clot in the deep veins can break loose and travel to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism (PE). PE is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Dr. Militano emphasizes that most pulmonary emboli originate in DVTs of the legs. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation if you experience symptoms like leg pain, swelling, warmth, or discoloration—especially if you have risk factors like prolonged immobility, recent surgery, or a history of blood clots.

Early detection and treatment of DVT can prevent potentially fatal pulmonary embolism and protect your long-term vascular health. If you suspect DVT, don’t wait—getting your leg checked could save your life.

Protect Yourself from Thrombosis: The Role of a Vein Specialist

If you have CVI or suspect you have vein disease, it’s critical to see a vein expert regularly. Proper management of CVI can significantly reduce your risk of developing dangerous blood clots.

A vein specialist has the expertise to manage the complications of venous insufficiency and prevent dangerous thrombotic events like deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Here are five reasons why consulting a vein specialist is essential:

• Accurate Diagnosis: A vein specialist can perform detailed diagnostic tests, such as an ultrasound, to assess your vein health and identify potential blood clots before they become life-threatening. Timely and accurate diagnosis is key to preventing serious complications like pulmonary embolism.
• Expert Treatment Plans: After thoroughly understanding your condition, a vein doctor can recommend effective treatments to manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of clots. Whether it’s compression therapy, minimally invasive procedures, or lifestyle changes, individualized treatment plans can significantly affect your health.
• Ongoing Monitoring: CVI and other vein issues often require regular follow-up. A vein specialist can monitor the progression of your condition and adjust treatment as needed, ensuring that any changes are detected early before complications arise.
• Preventative Treatment: Early intervention with treatments such as compression therapy, minimally invasive vein procedures (e.g., ablation or sclerotherapy), and lifestyle changes can prevent further complications and reduce clotting risks.
• Symptom Relief: Proper treatment can alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of CVI, such as leg pain and swelling, improving your quality of life.

Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) offers advanced diagnostic services, including a same-day DVT rule-out service, to ensure that you receive fast and accurate care for suspected blood clots. Call our hotline at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388) if you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to thrombosis.

How to Protect Yourself from Thrombosis

If you have venous insufficiency, there are several ways to protect yourself from blood clots. Taking proactive steps can prevent dangerous complications and improve your vein health.

1. Stay Active
Physical activity helps keep blood flowing smoothly through your veins. Simple activities like walking, stretching, and avoiding long periods of sitting or standing can help prevent blood from pooling in your legs. If you must sit or stand for long periods, take regular breaks to move around and stretch your legs.

2. Wear Compression Stockings
Compression stockings help improve blood flow by applying gentle pressure to your legs, reducing swelling and preventing blood from pooling. These are particularly beneficial for people with CVI or those at risk for DVT.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight can put additional pressure on your veins, making it harder for them to function correctly. Losing weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce this strain and lower your risk of developing blood clots.

4. Avoid (Better Yet, Quit!) Smoking
Smoking damages your blood vessels and increases the risk of clot formation. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall vein health.

5. Elevate Your Legs
When resting, try to elevate your legs above your heart level. This helps reduce swelling and improves blood flow back to your heart. It's a simple habit that can make a big difference in managing CVI and preventing clots.

6. Seek Early Treatment for Vein Problems
If you have symptoms of CVI, such as varicose veins, spider veins, or persistent leg pain, don’t wait to seek treatment. Early intervention can help prevent complications like blood clots from developing.

When to Call a Vein Doctor

Don't ignore the signs of vein disease!

Symptoms like varicose veins, leg pain, swelling, and spider veins may seem minor at first, but they can be indicators of chronic venous insufficiency, which can lead to serious complications, including blood clots. Seeing a vein specialist early is essential to managing your vein health and preventing more dangerous issues.

Protect your health today by scheduling a consultation with a board-certified Center for Vein Restoration vein care specialist. Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative and take the first step toward healthier legs. You can also SCHEDULE ONLINE HERE.