Medically reviewed by Sagar Patel, MD, on August 12, 2025
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common form of vein disease. Globally, CVI affects between 5 and 30 percent of the population, according to the AHA/ASA Journal Circulation. Varicose veins, a common symptom of CVI, impact more than 25 million adults in the United States, with more than six million suffering from advanced venous disease, including leg pain, swelling, cramps, skin changes, restless legs, ulcers, and open sores.
Living with chronic venous insufficiency isn’t just about discomfort or appearance; it raises fundamental questions about long-term health:
The short answer: While venous insufficiency typically doesn’t shorten life expectancy directly, it can significantly affect your quality of life and contribute to other health risks that may impact longevity. Fortunately, seeing a qualified vein doctor early and staying on top of vein treatment can reduce complications and improve your overall well-being.
For this article, we consulted board-certified vein physician, Dr. Sagar Patel, lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein clinics in Alpharetta, Georgia, and Atlanta (Sandy Springs), Georgia.
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Let’s explore the link between venous insufficiency and life expectancy—and what you can do to prevent or manage this condition.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the valves in the veins, especially in the legs, stop working correctly. Instead of pushing blood back toward the heart, weakened valves allow blood to pool in the lower extremities. This leads to symptoms such as:
Over time, untreated venous insufficiency can lead to more serious vein problems, including venous ulcers and blood clots. The good news? With the right daily habits and guidance from your Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist, you can take control of your symptoms and feel better. Expert care helps you stay focused on living, not just managing vein disease.
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By itself, venous insufficiency is not classified as a life-threatening condition. However, according to UCLA Health, it can increase the risk of serious health complications that may indirectly affect life expectancy:
CVI alters blood flow in the legs, which can increase the likelihood of clot formation in the deep veins. When these clots break free, they can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal emergency.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 100,000 Americans die each year from DVT and PE. This is one of the more serious risks of untreated vein disease.
Advanced vein disease can result in open, non-healing wounds on the lower legs called venous ulcers. These wounds are painful, prone to infection, and challenging to treat. If infected ulcers are left untreated, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
As reported by the National Library of Medicine (NIH), venous leg ulcers can easily become infected with many types of bacteria, including tough-to-treat ones like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These infections can slow healing and make treatment harder, so proper vein and wound care and the right antibiotics are critical.
CVI can also cause inflammatory changes in the skin, making it more fragile and susceptible to infections like cellulitis. Cellulitis happens when bacteria enter the body through a crack or break in the skin, per the Mayo Clinic. Recurrent cellulitis may evolve into serious complications such as osteomyelitis or necrotizing fasciitis, both of which can become life-threatening if not treated early.
Chronic leg pain and swelling can limit mobility, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle. Reduced physical activity is a major contributor to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, all of which can shorten life expectancy.
As more people lead sedentary lifestyles, rates of illness continue to rise. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that a lack of physical activity is linked to serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some cancers. Sitting too much and not moving enough harms not only your health, but also impacts healthcare systems, economies, and overall quality of life.
By treating vein disease and relieving symptoms like leg pain and swelling, vein care helps restore mobility, empowering patients to stay active and improve their overall quality of life.
CVR accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.
Vein problems develop due to a combination of genetics, age, hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged standing or sitting. These factors weaken the vein walls and valves, making it harder for blood to circulate efficiently.
While some risk factors can’t be avoided (like aging or heredity), many lifestyle changes can help prevent or slow the progression of vein disease:
If you notice persistent leg swelling, pain, heaviness, or visible veins, it’s time to consult a vein expert. A board-certified vein specialist can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options.
During your initial vein consultation at Center for Vein Restoration, your board-certified vein doctor will take a complete health history, examine your legs, and use a duplex ultrasound to evaluate how well blood is flowing through your veins. This painless, noninvasive test helps identify venous insufficiency and guides your personalized treatment plan.
High Standards. Better Outcomes. Superior Vein Care
At Center for Vein Restoration, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of safety, precision, and quality. That’s why thousands of patients across the country trust our board-certified vein doctors for expert treatment of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. We’re committed to providing evidence-based care in a comfortable, supportive environment—because your legs deserve the best!
📞 Contact a CVR patient services representative at 240-965-3915, or
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Vein treatments at Center for Vein Restoration are minimally invasive and performed in outpatient settings. These treatments are safe, quick, and often covered by insurance.
Depending on your condition, your CVR vein doctor may recommend:
Living with chronic vein problems can impact your mental health. The physical discomfort, lifestyle limitations, and cosmetic concerns can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. Addressing vein disease early not only improves physical symptoms but also helps restore confidence and mental well-being.
Experience Matters in Vein Care
When it comes to treating varicose veins, spider veins, and venous insufficiency, experience counts. At Center for Vein Restoration, our board-certified vein specialists have helped hundreds of thousands of patients find relief from leg pain, swelling, and other vein problems. With over 120 locations across the country, you’re never far from expert vein care.
If you’re struggling with varicose veins, leg swelling, or unexplained pain, don’t wait! Choose the nation’s largest physician-led vein center for proven results and compassionate treatment. Choose Center for Vein Restoration.
📞 Call CVR today at 240-965-3915 or
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