MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is one of the most prevalent vascular diseases in clinical practice, characterized by structural and functional alterations of the venous system of the lower limbs resulting from sustained venous hypertension. Its clinical presentation varies from telangiectasias and edema to severe skin changes and venous ulcers, significantly impacting quality of life, functional capacity, and costs to the health system. In Primary Health Care (PHC), early recognition of the disease, severity stratification, control of risk factors, and implementation of conservative therapeutic measures are fundamental to reducing complications and clinical progression. Management includes behavioral guidance, compression therapy, control of comorbidities, adjuvant pharmacological treatment, and adequate identification of cases requiring specialized referral. This article reviews the main epidemiological, pathophysiological, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of chronic venous insufficiency in the context of Primary Care.