The Prevalence of Venous Disease by Gender and Ethnicity in a Balanced Sample of Four Ethnic Groups in Southern California

Abstract

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of venous disease in a community.

Design:

Cross-sectional study

Setting:

Southern California university.

Participants:

Current and retired university employees and spouses were randomly invited within strata based on gender, ethnicity (Caucasian, Hispanic, Black, Asian) and age. These analyses used a random subsample of 75 participants of each gender and ethnicity.

Main outcome measures:

Cosmetic and functional venous disease determined by standardised examination including ultrasound and visual inspection.

Results:

Telangiectases were present in 83% of women and 51% of men. Rates increased with age and were highest in Caucasians and lowest in Blacks. Corresponding rates for varicose veins were 33% and 17% with no ethnic differences. Superficial functional disease was found in 26% of women and 15% of men, without ethnic variation. Deep disease was present in 11% without gender or ethnic effects.

Conclusions:

Telangiectases varied by gender, ethnicity, and age. Varicose veins varied by gender. All conditions except deep disease were more common in women.