Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Heart Health Center

Tools & Resources

Font Size
A
A
A

Venous insufficiency

Illustration copyright 2002, 2003 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

In venous insufficiency, the valves in the veins have become damaged. Theses valves normally keep blood flowing toward the heart, but damaged valves allow some blood to flow backward, causing the veins to become overfilled. Fluid seeps out of the engorged veins into surrounding tissues, resulting in tissue breakdown and venous skin ulcers.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Margaret Doucette, DO - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wound Care, Hyperbaric Medicine
Last Revised September 29, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 29, 2009
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

WebMD Special Sections