Standing at work and varicose veins

Abstract

Objectives. This study attempts to determine whether or not prolonged standing at work involves an excess risk for the occurence of varicose veins. Methods. A cohort of 1.6 million 20-to-59-year-old Danes gainfully employed in 1991 were followed for 3 years according to first hospitalization due to varicose veins of the lower extremities. The exposure data came from a representative sample of the baseline population. Altogether 5940 people were interviewed about occupational exposure and confounding factors. Results. For men working mostly in a standing position, the risk ratio for varicose veins was 1.85 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.33-2.36] in a comparison with all other men. The corresponding risk ratio for women was 2.63 (95% CI 2.25-3.02). The results were adjusted for age, social group, and smoking. Conclusions. Working in a standing position is associated with subsequent hospitalization due to varicose veins for both men and women.