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Venous insufficiency

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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.

Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Randall D. Burr, MD
- Dermatology
Last Updated September 17, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 17, 2007
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